ON Friday, January 9, at approximately 3 a.m., a New Westminster Police Department officer was conducting patrols around the area of 100 Columbia Street when they located a man laying on the ground in apparent distress.

Upon approaching the man, the officer saw he was suffering gunshot injuries. Responding officers provided immediate first aid before the male was transported to hospital for treatment.

The Major Crime Unit has been deployed to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Due to this investigation, Columbia Street was closed for several hours as officers canvassed the area and processed the scene for evidence.

“Our Major Crime investigators will be gathering evidence to determine the motive behind this incident and who committed it,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “We appreciate the public’s patience during the road closures.”

Anyone with information about this incident or dash cam footage of the area at the time is asked to contact the Major Crime Unit at (604) 529-2430 or via email at majorcrimetips@nwpolice.org.