Police believe an escalating Lower Mainland gang conflict may be behind two separate shootings, both near Burnaby hookah lounges early Monday morning.
At about 12:30 a.m., police were called to the area of North Road and Lyndhurst Avenue, where they found a 21-year-old Vancouver man who had been shot several times, according to a Burnaby RCMP press release.
Witnesses said the man had collapsed in front of the PMC Hookah Lounge.
He was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to police, but he is not cooperating with investigators.
Witnesses told police the gunfire had come from a white coupe.
Two hours later, shots rang out near another hookah lounge across town – Living Room Hookah – on the corner of Canada Way and Smith Avenue.
Responding officers located a white crossover vehicle fleeing the scene and gave chase, reaching speeds faster than 160 km/hr, according to the release.
“Fearing for public safety, the pursuit was ended,” the release stated.
A 25-year-old Surrey man showed up at a nearby hospital a short time later with several gunshot wounds, but he isn’t cooperating with investigators either, according to police.
“The Burnaby RCMP serious crimes unit is continuing to investigate both shootings to determine whether they are related to one another,” Cpl. Brett Cunningham said. “Police suspect both shootings to be related to the Lower Mainland gang conflict, and we are seeking witnesses to come forward and help us end this string of violence.”
Cunningham told the NOW investigators were also looking into whether the shootings are related to the hookah businesses or to patrons who had visited the establishments before the shootings.
“We are getting increasing violence and shootings surrounding these types of businesses in Burnaby,” he said.
On July 1, police were called to the Bloo Bby Restaurant hookah lounge at 4052 Hastings after multiple shots were fired at a vehicle there.
Anyone who witnessed either of the Monday incidents is asked to contact the Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
Email [email protected]
