'Targeted' shooting under investigation in Maple Ridge, IHIT says
'We don't see that around here ... it's a safe neighbourhood ... it's really scary to me,' says neighbour
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is calling the shooting of a a 32-year-old man targeted.
Shots were reported around 2:30 a.m. PT in the 24300 block of 102 Avenue in Maple Ridge B.C. and police said they found a man "suffering gunshot wounds" who died "despite all medical efforts."
The shooting near 243 Street and 102 Avenue left locals in the quiet residential area shocked.
"We thought we heard fireworks but they ended up being gunshots," said neighbour Chase Mahaffey.
"We don't see that around here a lot because it's a safe neighbourhood. It feels horrible. It's really scary to me," said Mahaffey.
"It's not something you want to hear where you live," said Jeremy Hutchison. "It was a loud 'Bang!'"
Local resident Desiree Vriate says there are lots of children in the neighbourhood.
"Almost everybody's kids here have bedrooms facing the road so, so scared of stray bullets hitting our kids, so that's a concern here."
IHIT continues to investigate and is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them.
Investigators added that the victim has never been convicted in a criminal proceeding.
"Is it bizarre? Just because someone is not known to the police does not mean they are not involved in criminal activity," said Cpl. Meghan Foster with IHIT.
