According to authorities, an individual specifically aimed at two individuals outside a nightclub in Vancouver during the night of Sunday. One of the men suffered injuries.
Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police reported that the event occurred outside the Gallery Vancouver nightclub, situated near Southwest Marine Drive and Hudson Street, at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Sunday.
Addison reported that a male individual, aged 44, sustained gunshot wounds on his arm, while another man was targeted but luckily not struck by the bullet.
Investigators believe the shooting was intentional, but it is unclear whether it is connected to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.
“Through the course of the investigation, we’ve learned that the people who were shot at were standing outside the club when they were approached by a man who fired at them with a gun and then fled,” Addison told CBC News in an interview.
“We are of the belief that they escaped using a vehicle.”
Approximately one hour following the shooting incident, authorities discovered a vehicle ablaze in the vicinity of Connaught Drive and West 36th Avenue, a few blocks away.
Addison stated that considering the vehicle’s description and the surrounding circumstances, there is a strong possibility that there is a connection between the car that was set on fire and the shooting incident at the Gallery.
The sergeant mentioned that it exhibited the characteristics of a “conflict car,” which refers to a situation frequently observed by the police. In this scenario, a stolen vehicle used for a getaway is abandoned shortly after a crime and deliberately set on fire to eliminate potential evidence.
No arrests have been made by the police in regards to the shooting incident. They are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information and can reach out to the VPD Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541.
A person was fatally stabbed outside a club in the year 2022.
Addison reports that a number of worrisome offenses have occurred in the vicinity of Gallery Vancouver within the last year.
On May 23, 2022, 19-year-old Naseb Fazil was fatally stabbed as people were leaving the nightclub, after a fight that broke out on the street.
A 25-year-old male has been apprehended and accused of committing second-degree murder in that particular incident. However, Addison mentions that it is not the sole occurrence that has drawn the investigators’ interest.
A few weeks ago, our officers were conducting patrols in the vicinity when they intercepted a stolen vehicle. Upon searching the car, they discovered three individuals – two adults and one teenager – along with two loaded guns.
According to the authorities, the police have pressed charges against the trio for offenses related to firearms.
Addison expressed deep concern about the concentration of violence in a single area. He acknowledged that this specific location had become problematic for the VPD, and as a result, they planned to increase patrols in that area.
He mentioned that VPD was collaborating with club management to establish a nighttime environment that promotes a sense of safety for individuals.
“The sergeant stated that although the club has not experienced the most severe incidents we have responded to, it is undeniable that there is a connection to the type of customers who are drawn to it.”
This is an issue that we acknowledge, and we will take steps to address it as it is necessary to control and reduce its impact.
Adonis Pomonis, the president of operations at Gallery Vancouver, expressed his understanding of the concerns surrounding incidents like the shooting that occurred on Saturday in a text message statement.
He stated that although the incident is unfortunate, it is important to remember that individual occurrences should not overshadow Gallery’s dedication to providing a secure environment for patrons to enjoy live concert shows featuring top artists in North America.
“This is a reminder that we should all continue to work together to make our community, safe and secure for everyone. Gallery is focused on the positive aspects of Vancouver, and we support efforts to ensure the safety of all its visitors.”
Source: cbc.ca
