By Spencer Sterritt

Possible gunman found guilty in 2016 drive-by shooting

Feb 11, 2019 | 3:34 PM

NANAIMO — A mother’s racking sobs filled a Nanaimo courtroom as her son was convicted of attempted murder.

Armaan Chandi was found guilty in the Supreme Court for his role in a 2016 drive-by shooting which unsuccessfully targetted an innocent Vancouver Island University student. Nine bullets were fired at the student from a passing car on Wakesiah Ave. near the university on March 1. The car then sped off and led police on a lengthy and dangerous chase down to Duncan.

Chandi’s mother burst into tears as he stood to hear the verdict from the Honourable Justice Robin Baird.

He was stoic throughout much of the decision on Monday but became notably agitated when Baird listed all the reasons why it was plausible and likely Chandi was the one who pulled the trigger in the incident.

“On the totality of the evidence, no alternative theory commends itself that is not imaginary or frivolous,” Baird said. “To suppose Chandi entered the vehicle after the shooting is not a rational or logical inference to be drawn in the light of human experience and common sense.”

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His co-accused Inderpal Aujla already pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison as the presumed driver in the shooting.

Nearly three years after the shooting, it’s still unclear who the intended target was and why a hit was placed upon their head.

A sentencing date for Chandi will be fixed on Feb. 25.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit