Richmond may have produced Metro Vancouver’s first homicide of 2017 after a man was found shot dead in his car on Tuesday night.
Richmond RCMP was called to the area of Ash Street and Granville Avenue shortly before 9:30 p.m. after reports of gunshots were made by residents.
On arrival to the 7000 block of Ash Street, just around the corner from MacNeill secondary, a deceased male was discovered inside the cabin of a late model, black Jeep SUV. Police the shooting does not appear to be random.
According to media reports, the vehicle was still running when police arrived at the scene.
The apparently targeted shooting took place at the entrance to the Quista townhouse complex at 7060 Ash Street.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) named the victim as 21-year-old Vancouver resident Calvin Chi Hang Zhao.
Investigators have identified a suspect vehicle that was seen fleeing the scene of the shooting, and are working to confirm the make and model.
However, it is described as a white SUV and anyone with information about this vehicle, or its whereabouts, is asked to contact IHIT.
"The selfish act of homicide is one that puts the public at risk, and creates an elevated level of concern for police,” said Cpl. Meghan Foster, of IHIT.
“For this reason, we need those who have information to come forward and contact us.”
On Wednesday morning, although the immediate scene was coned off, police were letting traffic move freely in and out of the townhouse complex.
Some neighbours, however, appeared blissfully unaware of the incident, including one teenager, driving to his nearby MacNeill secondary around 8:30 a.m., who stopped and asked the News what had happened.
“Wow, that’s scary, I had no idea,” he said, after learning of the death.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation please contact the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected].
Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
