By Ian Holmes

Accused Nanaimo drive-by shooter appears in court as trial nears

Mar 14, 2017 | 12:35 PM

NANAIMO — Details of an upcoming trial have emerged following a shocking alleged drive-by shooting in Nanaimo a little over a year ago.

Crown Counsel has its case set against Armaan Chandi, 19, of Surrey and Inderpal Aujla, 20, of Mission, who face multiple charges, including attempted murder, after a car was sprayed with bullets on Wakesiah Ave. in broad daylight on March 2, 2016.

The intended target inside the car was not hurt, according to police.

Chandi and Aujla plead not guilty and their trial is scheduled to begin May 23 in Provincial Court in Nanaimo.

Crown prosecutor Nick Barber told NanaimoNewsNOW cases like this are taken very seriously by the Crown.

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“They are unusual, especially in a community like Nanaimo,” Barber said. “They are only allegations at this point but we will proceed with as much determination as we can.”

Meantime, Chandi, who had been released on parole, was arrested last week for a curfew violation, according to Barber.

Chandi appeared in court in Nanaimo Tuesday for a scheduled pre-trial conference which was adjourned to March 28.

His lawyer indicated that he’d apply for bail on behalf of his client, who’s locked up at the Vancouver Island Correctional Centre in Victoria.

Barber said 15 to 20 crown witnesses are scheduled to testify at the two-week trial.

“There will be a large number of witnesses over those nine days, they’ll include police and civilian witnesses,” Barber said.

Following the alleged shooting, police say the accused led them on a high-speed chase that ended with a crash in Duncan, causing minor injuries two a pair of Nanaimo Mounties.

The Nanaimo drive-by shooting trial will be overseen by a judge alone.

Ian.holmes@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @reporterholmes