RCMP believe 2 targeted shootings possibly triggered by Lower Mainland gang conflict

Police in Burnaby, B.C., are investigating to determine whethertwo early Monday morning shootings are related to gang conflicts on the Lower Mainland.

Shortly after midnight, Burnaby RCMP responded to multiple reports of shots being fired in the area of North Road and Cottonwood Avenue, near the edge of Burnaby, according to a news release issued Monday afternoon.

A 21-year-old man from Vancouver was found with several gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Witnesses told police the shots were fired from a white coupe vehicle.

In a statement, police said the victim is not co-operating.

2nd shooting

About two hours later, another shooting took place in Burnaby.

The police news release states atapproximately 2:30 a.m., Burnaby RCMP went to a second incident involving shots fired in the 3200block of Smith Avenue, a residential area.

In the statement, police say they located a white crossover type vehicle driving away fromthe sceneand a pursuit unfolded, reaching speeds in excess of 160 km/h.

Police say they ended the chase, citing public safety concerns.

A short time later,a 25-year-old man from Surrey showed up at the hospital with several injuries from gun shots.

That man, who was seriously hurt, is also not co-operating, according to police.

Possible gang-related shootings

During a news conference held outside the Burnaby detachment on Monday afternoon, Cpl. Brett Cunningham told reporters police believe the shootings were targeted.

"In both of these incidents, we do believe them to be targeted, however there's always a chance that a passerby or somebody,someone within the general public, could be struck by one of these bullets and obviously there's a concern in that sense," he said.

Both of the individuals shot are known to police.

"Unfortunately when it comes to gang violence, we often don't get all the co-operation we require to conduct a thorough investigation," he said.

The issue is not restricted to the Burnaby area, which, Cunningham said, has seen a rise in violent crimesuch as this.

"This is part of a larger Lower Mainland gang problem, and we're continuing to examine," he said, adding the cause or reason is not known this early into the investigation.

Cunningham did not name any suspected gangs involved.

Police are continuing to investigateto determine whetherthe two shootings are connected.