ON Friday, September 22 at approximately 10 a.m., Ridge Meadows RCMP officers were executing a warrant in Coquitlam in relation to a drug investigation originating from Maple Ridge.

While there, the attending officers became engaged in an altercation with a man which resulted in Constable Rick O’Brien being fatally shot. O’Brien succumbed to his injuries on scene, despite the best efforts of BC Emergency Health Services.

A second RCMP officer was shot and wounded. A third officer sustained injures during the course of the event. The two wounded officers were transported to hospital and treated for injuries. They have since been released and are recovering at home.

During the altercation, the suspect was also shot and wounded. As a result, the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) is running a concurrent investigation.
On Saturday, September 23, the BC Prosecution Service approved charges against Nicholas Bellemare, 25, of Coquitlam. Bellemare has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder with a firearm. Bellemare has been remanded in custody.

“This is a profound loss and I understand it will have a lasting effect on Constable O’Brien’s family, friends, colleagues and the community,” said Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, Office- in-Charge of IHIT. “We wish to send our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this tragic event.”

IHIT is working in partnership with Ridge Meadows and Coquitlam RCMP detachments, BC Coroners Service, and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS). Investigators also thanked the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT) Surrey RCMP, the Vancouver Police Department’s Firearms Lab, New Westminster Police Department and BC Emergency Health Service for their assistance.

Anyone who may have information regarding this homicide is asked to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at: ihitinfo-grc.gc.ca.