Two injured in targeted shooting in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

VANCOUVER Police are investigating a shooting in the Downtown Eastside that sent at least two people to hospital on Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses called 9-1-1 reporting shots fired near East Hastings and Columbia just before 4:30 p.m. VPD flooded the area and located a victim with gunshot wounds, while several people were seen fleeing the area on foot.

The victim was taken to hospital by paramedics, and shortly after, a second person who had also been shot, arrived at the emergency room. Both men are believed to have non-life-threatening injuries.

“Responding officers were faced with a chaotic scene. Someone had obviously been shot, but it was unclear who was involved,” says Constable Tania Visintin. “Officers worked quickly to secure the crime scene and ensure that the public was safe.”

Eight people were arrested and have since been released pending further investigation.

Investigators believe this was a targeted shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.