Three injured, including bystanders, in ‘brazen’ Vancouver shooting

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VANCOUVER — A targeted shooting on a major Vancouver street has left three people injured, including someone police describe as an “innocent” teen.

Vancouver police said several shots were fired Saturday evening in a busy commercial and residential area on Broadway.

Sgt. Jason Robillard said a man in his early 20s, who is believed to be the target of the attack, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A 15-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C., who was driving through the area when the shots were fired, was also seriously injured and taken to hospital.

“At this time the evidence suggests that he is innocent,” Robillard said at a news conference Sunday.

He said the victims taken to hospital remain in serious condition.

A man in his 30s, who police said was not a target, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene and released.

It’s unclear what prompted the incident, but Robillard said there are indications that gunfire was exchanged.

“This is bad and we are concerned with how brazen this was,” Robillard said, adding that more than 30 officers are working on the case.

No arrests have been made.

The area of Broadway and Ontario Street remained closed through Sunday evening as the investigation continued.

Area resident Gloria Gribling said she heard what she thought were fireworks going off Saturday evening.

“I heard quite a large bang and then I thought that sounds like a gunshot, and then I thought ridiculous, I’m watching too much TV,” she said.

“And then I hear immediately afterward what sounded like fireworks, very fast explosions but they weren’t as loud as the first one.”

She said Broadway is a busy thoroughfare, and while the noise seemed out of character, she considers the area typically safe.

“I have no fear of going for walks or anything like that around here, it’s very safe,” Gribling said.

A number of local businesses, including a furniture store and yoga studio, posted on social media that they would remain closed while police had the area cordoned off.

Robillard said police need time to gather evidence and capture the scene accurately.

“Our officers are working diligently to try to put all the pieces together,” he said.

Police are asking witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage of the scene to come forward as the investigation continues.