Multiple people were arrested following a daylight shooting in central Nanaimo behind a Wendy's restaurant on the Island Highway near Rock City Rd. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SHOOTING

Nanaimo shooting linked to on-going Lower Mainland gang violence

May 22, 2021 | 4:13 PM

NANAIMO — Police say there is no further risk to the public following a targeted, gang-related fatal shooting in the city.

Shots rang out behind the Wendy’s restaurant on the Island Hwy. near Rock City Centre around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 20.

One person was later found dead from gunshot wounds inside their vehicle, while witnesses reported a white SUV sped away from the scene immediately following the gunshots.

“We believe this event has a nexus to the ongoing gang-conflict and violence currently plaguing a number of Lower Mainland communities,” Acting Inspector Donovan Tait said in a release.

Three people were arrested in the aftermath of the shooting at the Best Western Hotel in north Nanaimo.

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All three had ties to the Lower Mainland. No charges have been laid, with the three suspects released from custody.

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the scope of the investigation is vast and will take some time.

“There’s a lot of information that has to be catalogued, there’s evidence that has to be looked at, witness statements to go through, dash cam video and potentially more video from businesses…has to be put into a succinct report and forwarded to our Crown Counsel for charge approval. Prior to doing that, this is why the three individuals were released at this point.”

An investigation into the incident continues with police conducting a large-scale canvassing operation for video surveillance from neighbouring homes and businesses.

Police are particularly interested in the movement of a white 2003 Cadillac Escalade SUV in the days prior to the incident on Thursday, May 20.

It was seized by police on Thursday however police believe it was in the Nanaimo area for several days prior to the incident.

RCMP are also wanting to speak with a caucasian woman who was seen in the vicinity of the Jumping Jiminy’s Playground & Café at the time of the shooting.

O’Brien said the woman is not believed to be connected to the incident, but may have seen something.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact the Nanaimo detachment at 250 754 2345.

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