Homicide investigators were in North Vancouver Thursday after one man was killed and other injured in a shooting Wednesday night.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said two men were shot while inside a vehicle in a rear lane near the 200-block of East 17th Street.
Ali Reza Serri, 43, died while the second victim was sent to hospital for treatment and has since been released.
“Ali is described by his family as a good person who had a very good heart,” said Sergeant Frank Jang of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team in a statement released Thursday. “We will work tirelessly to find answers for them. This could have resulted in a double homicide, and residents in the neighbourhood were put at risk as well. Finding the shooter and potentially others who were complicit in this crime will be the goal of our concerted effort.”
Jang said investigators were working to determine if the targeted shooting was gang-related.
“There are early indications that reveal that both males may have had gang affiliations,” Jang said. Police have confirmed that both men were known to police.
One witness who chose to remain anonymous told Global News they were in the area of 17th Street East between St. Georges & St. Andrews, just four blocks away from the RCMP detachment, at approximately 10:50 p.m. when they heard a group of men shouting.
Neighbours reported hearing between five to seven gunshots, followed by someone screaming.
Police and paramedics descended on the scene, with at least one person seen being loaded by stretcher into an ambulance.
Officers could be seen roaming the area with rifles drawn seeking a suspect or suspects.
Jang asks that any drivers with dash cam video who were travelling in the area of St. Andrews Avenue and East 17 Street, as well as the Second Narrow and Lions Gate bridges, around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, contact IHIT immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).