THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Saturday identified the victim of the June 30 shooting in Port Coquitlam as 37-year-old Mehdi “Damien” Eslahian. Eslahian was from Port Coquitlam and was known to police.

On June 30 at around 1 a.m., Coquitlam RCMP responded to reports of a shooting in the 2700-block of Davies Avenue in Port Coquitlam. First responders found the victim deceased at scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in to investigate.

The name of the victim has been released to further identify witnesses and associates. At this stage in the investigation, homicide detectives are able to confirm that the shooting was targeted, but not related to the ongoing Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.

IHIT is working in partnership with the Coquitlam RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service. A timeline of Eslahian’s movements is being constructed. IHIT investigators are looking to speak to Eslahian’s associates to determine his activities.

IHIT is also seeking dashcam footage or CCTV around the area of the 2000-block of Davies Avenue as well as at Hastings Street and Lougheed Highway between 10 p.m. on June 29 and 2 a.m. on June 30.

“This was an area of low traffic and activity,” said IHIT Sgt. David Lee. “If anyone was travelling in this area and has dashcam footage, we ask that they contact IHIT.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call IHIT on the Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.