METRO VANCOUVER – A group of men who fired at a house on the Squamish Nation Aug. 1 were apparently targeting someone else entirely, North Vancouver RCMP said Tuesday.
And the shooters came perilously close to hitting a young child when they fired a number of rounds into the home in the 300-block of West 5th.
Police and community leaders called a news conference Tuesday seeking the public’s help to identify the suspects.
"Police believe witnesses who may have information that would aid in the investigation are reluctant to come forward," Cpl. Peter DeVries said in a release. “Our dependence on the public certainly has greater import in cases where those crimes have endangered or harmed children. In light of this, we are urging anyone with information to come forward and to help us capture those responsible for this dangerous, reckless act of violence."
The shooting took place about 3 a.m. when a group of men got out of a car, fired and then sped away. There was a mom and two kids inside.
"The bullets, which were found in the interior of the home only a few meters from where the children were, could easily have caused a fatal injury had they struck one of the occupants," DeVries said.
He said the occupants of the home were "innocent victims in the shooting, and that the assailants had likely erred in identifying the house they were targeting."
The RCMP has been working with the Squamish Nation Chiefs and Council in the investigation
“We must take a strong stand against violence in our communities. This responsibility falls not only on our leaders and the police, but also on the individual members of our community. The time to stand together for peace, safety of all, and justice, is now,” Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob said.
Anyone with any information is urged to call 604 985-1311.
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