Maple Ridge, BC (WNEWS) – Ridge Meadows RCMP is investigating an apparent deadly shooting at a popular gym late Saturday afternoon in Maple Ridge.
According to witnesses, around 8-10 shots were heard fired at a vehicle killing a male after 4:25 pm in the parking lot of Olympians Gym on 226 St and Lougheed Highway.
According to witnesses, a man was shot as he left Olympians Gym at 22611 Lougheed Hwy. at about 4:30 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing numerous shots.
Seth McConville, 19, spoke to WNews, saying that he was working out at the gym when he heard two shots ring out after a middle-aged man left the building. McConville thought someone was dropping plates. They were followed by more shots in rapid succession – about eight to 10 in total he estimated.
Everyone in the gym ran to the farthest part of the building and the staff locked the door. Then they saw a red four-door sedan speed away from the same gym parking lot, he said.
He said RCMP officers attempted CPR on the victim.
The police told him to go back inside the gym.
“I was in shock,” he said.
“I’m pretty shaken up – it was a gym in broad daylight in the middle of Maple Ridge.” – Seth McConville
McConville said that police arrived within 5 mins.
McConville mentioned to WNews that he went out to the parking lot, and saw the victim sitting in his car. He had been obviously shot through the windows of the vehicle and appeared lifeless.
There was a heavy police presence at the gym, including officers wearing uniforms marked gang task force, and roads in the area have been blocked from traffic.
As of 6 p.m., there was a heavy police presence at the gym, including officers wearing uniforms marked “gang task force.” Roads in the surrounding area were blocked. No vehicles were allowed to leave the lot.
Police released a statement saying they received numerous calls regarding possible shots fired. The investigation is in the very early stages however, the preliminary details reveal that this does not appear to be a random incident, said the release.
Ridge Meadows RCMP will be working with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
Police are looking for any witnesses who saw or heard anything. Anyone with camera footage from the area in the afternoon or those who have not already spoken with police is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448.
More information to come.
