One dead after shooting in Nanaimo plaza parking lot
Posted May 20, 2021 8:04 pm.
Last Updated May 20, 2021 8:21 pm.
NANAIMO (NEWS 1130) — One man has died after being shot in a Nanaimo parking lot Thursday afternoon, and police say ‘several’ people are in custody.
Mounties were called to the parking lot of Rock City Plaza around 3:30 p.m. for reports of shots fired.
“When we arrived on scene, we found one male deceased in their parked vehicle,” says Const. Gary O’Brien, adding he understands why the timing and location of the shooting have frightened people in the community.
“It’s very disturbing. It’s absolutely brazen with no regard for the safety of the individuals in public.”
Soon after the shooting, officers arrested ‘several’ people at a best Western Hotel about five kilometers away. O’Brien would not say exactly how many people are in custody, and notes there may be others involved.
“Right now though, we have several individuals in custody, we cannot say for sure if there’s others involved. Once that information is provided to us, we will let the public know as soon as possible,” he says.
“We want to assure [the public] we’re doing what we can.”
#BREAKING: A man has been found dead of apparent gunshot wounds in a parked car in Nanaimo. RCMP were called to the Rock City Plaza parking lot around 3:30 this afternoon on reports of shots-fired. Several people are under arrest. pic.twitter.com/34MLVa7mG0
— John Ackermann ???? (@jackermann) May 21, 2021
O’Brien says it’s too early to comment on any relationship between those arrested and the man who was killed, as well as what the motive was — including if the shooting has any connection to the gang conflict that has gripped the Lower Mainland in recent weeks.
“It’s far too early and we would simply be speculating. If evidence is presented that connects to that we will follow it, but at this time it would simply be speculation.”
The Nanaimo RCMP are asking anyone who has dashcam footage from the area near Rock City Plaza between 3:15 pm and 3:45 p.m. to call (250) 754-2345.
O’Brien says he is relieved no bystanders were injured.
“The chances of somebody being hit by an errant bullet was extremely high,” he notes.
“Having said that, there’s an excellent possibility that somebody may have dashcam video or have witnessed something and hasn’t talked to the police yet. We need to hear from them.”
