For a second time in as many weeks, Coquitlam RCMP are set to extend a listening ear to a community recently impacted by a fatal crime.
Last Thursday (Dec. 8), a woman was killed after suffering from gunshot wounds in the Hockaday area in the city's seventh known shooting of 2022.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken lead on the case, while victim services was activated to aid in the neighbourhood's well-being.
But police are hoping to hear all safety concerns from local residents in hosting a drop-in outreach session on Saturday (Dec. 17).
"When a neighbourhood experiences a serious incident, we know that people can have questions around safety," said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a release.
Woman shot inside a vehicle
Before 11 p.m. on Dec. 8, Mounties were called to reports of a shooting near Lambert Way and Turner Avenue — located west of the Coquitlam River.
The victim was found inside a vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds that she later succumbed to at the scene despite first responders' attempts at life-saving measures.
As of this publication (Dec. 15), police have yet to publicly state if any suspects have been arrested or are sought by officers from the "isolated incident."
Investigators are asking the public to call in with witness statements or to submit video evidence, including dash cam, CCTV, surveillance, cell phone or general footage of the area.
The shooting also took place four days after RCMP hosted back-to-back outreach sessions in the region following a stint of violent crimes in a single week, including a double homicide near Dawes Hill Park.
As a result of the latest incident, Hodgins said police are hoping to connect directly with Hockaday residents as part of efforts to provide emotional support, home safety and block watch information, and other resources.
The public is encouraged to ask questions and address concerns in light of the shooting.
Senior officers, community police officers and victim services are set to be in attendance this weekend.
Residents can drop in at the Nestor Elementary gym (1266 Nestor St.) on Dec. 17 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
For more information, you can visit the Coquitlam RCMP's website.
Anyone with witness statements or video footage of the Hockaday shooting is asked to call IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
