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Shots fired in Yaletown and near Science World: officer, suspect and bike shop owner injured

WATCH: A 52-year-old man remains in critical condition as a result of a wild shoot out in Yaletown Tuesday morning. John Daly has the latest.

Vancouver Police have a suspect in custody after a brazen daylight shootout Tuesday that started in Yaletown, and ended at Science World.

Global News reporter John Daly says the owner of Reckless Cycles, 52-year-old Paul Dragan, was shot. He was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital and into surgery, but his current condition is unknown.

There are unconfirmed reports it was an ex-employee who fired the shots at Dragan.

WATCH: Footage of two shots being fired in Yaletown (video posted by Brandon Gowing)

A witness, Kate, who did not want her last name used, tells Global News that at around 11:30 a.m., they heard two loud bangs, but at first they thought it was construction noise. She says a man on a bicycle shot the owner of the bike shop outside the Starbucks before fleeing by bike, down Pacific Blvd. to Science World.

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WATCH: Reporter John Daly shares his personal connection to victim Paul Dragan

There were at least three shots fired in Yaletown before the suspect fled.

Another witness says the cops exchanged fire with a man across Marinaside Crescent. “The individual across the street returned fire and shot the windows and this looks like it transpired afterwards from the original victim being shot,” says the witness.

A sign on the window of Reckless Cycles on Davie Street where the first shooting occurred. Credit: John Daly, Global News. John Daly, Global News

Global News has learned two police officers were coincidentally at the Starbucks when the shooting broke out.

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Those two officers were able to help protect the victim and then chase the suspect to Science World. One officer commandeered a bike from someone on the bike path and then followed the suspect.

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At Science World, gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and police.

Vancouver Police say one of their officers was injured, along with the suspected gunman in that shootout.

The female officer, who has been on the force for almost two years, was hit by flying glass as a result of the gunfire. She was not shot and was being treated for minor injuries.

The suspect has been taken into custody, where he remains in stable condition and is undergoing surgery. Police say he is 61 years old, but they have not released his identity, or if he is known to them.

Police do not believe there are any suspects outstanding.

A police cruiser with a blown-out rear window could be seen parked on the seawall.

WATCH: Witnesses describe shooting

Science World was on lockdown for more than an hour with 50 children and their parents still inside. They were allowed to leave with police escort, and no one was injured.

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Children were reportedly ordered to “hit the ground” while shots were being fired outside.

The Independent Investigations Office confirms it is investigating the shooting, as it’s police-involved.

WATCH: Vancouver Police hold a press conference on the shooting

Skytrain through the area is operating normally, according to Translink. Drivers are being asked to avoid the Davie/Marinaside/Pacific Blvd. area until further notice.

Terminal Avenue and Main Street, near Science World, are now open to traffic, but Science World closed for the remainder of Tuesday.

Police won’t speculate on the motive for the shooting and they say the public should not be concerned.

“We don’t expect people to change their day-to-day habits because of these latest shooting incidents,” says Const. Brian Montague.

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There were dozens of witnesses in the area and police say they have received photos and videos to help them piece together what happened.

“Between Yaletown and Science World there are many many people we have to speak with,” says Montague. “We’ve already been inundated with phone calls from people that have photographs and video that they want to share with us.”

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson issued the following statement about the shooting:

“We owe tremendous thanks for the courage and fast action shown by all Vancouver Police officers who responded today to keep our city safe. This incident was a brazen attack in broad daylight, and gun violence of any kind will not be tolerated in the City of Vancouver. Today’s events underscore the need to keep supporting the important work that Chief Jim Chu and the VPD have been doing to reduce violent crime and keep our communities safe from gun crime.

“I know this has been very upsetting for the many people who witnessed the attack, and for those who live and work in the neighbourhood.  My thoughts are with the victim, the injured officer, and their friends and families during this difficult time.”

It’s the second time this week that gunfire has erupted on the streets of Vancouver.

A woman was shot in the back during a drive-by shooting at a Chevron station on East Hastings near Clark on Sunday night. She has been identified as Mia Deakin, daughter of Real Housewives of Vancouver star Jody Claman.

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In a bizarre coincidence, the son of fellow cast member Mary Zilba — Cole Anderson — witnessed the shooting at Reckless Cycles Tuesday.

 

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