ON January 9 at approximately 3 a.m., a New Westminster Police Department officer was conducting patrols around the area of 100 Columbia Street when she located a man on the ground in apparent distress. Upon approaching the man, the officer saw he was suffering gunshot injuries.

The Major Crime Unit took conduct of the investigation and with the assistance of the Street Crime Unit and Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, a suspect was arrested, and a loaded, prohibited, firearm was seized. A second suspect was identified and he was arrested without incident.

Amman Crafton, 38, of New Westminster has since been charged with one count of unauthorized possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm.

“This investigation has been a source of concern for the community,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver on Monday. “Our investigators worked diligently to identify those responsible and ensure evidence was gathered to support charges.”

This investigation significantly benefited from the support of the Victim Assistance Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, and Crime Reduction Unit. The investigation is ongoing and the suspects were released with strict court-ordered conditions.