Coquitlam shooting target prompts police warning

Mounties in Coquitlam are out with a public warning after a man is believed to have been the target of two shootings.

Chris Irwin was shot near Chickadee Place on March 25. Police say this incident is believed to be tied to another in Coquitlam last December.

On Dec. 4, 2021, officers say shots were fired in the area of Chickadee Place, not far from Pinetree Way. When first responders arrived, they found a man had been shot. He had been in a vehicle, with his nine-year-old son in the back seat, at the time of the shooting.

“The innocent person was not the intended target of that shooting. And due to the most current shooting on March 25th, due to the proximity of the shootings and other investigative evidence, it is believed that Chris Irwin was the intended target of both shootings,” RCMP Const. Deanna Law said Tuesday.

A silver sedan was identified as a vehicle of interest after the December incident. It was seen leaving the area right after shots were fired, and was also spotted shortly after a car was set ablaze in March.

A silver sedan has been identified as a vehicle of interest after two shootings targeting who police believe to be the same person. (Courtesy Coquitlam RCMP)

On March 25, Irwin was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A Toyota Rav 4 was found on fire in Port Moody shortly after the shooting and is believed to be linked.

A Toyota Rav 4 was reported on fire moments after a shooting in Coquitlam. (Courtesy Coquitlam RCMP)

Once again, an innocent bystander was hurt, though this time from the car fire and explosion. A second vehicle of interest was identified as a black newer model Hyundai Santa Fe with licence plate FL335K.

A black Hyundai Santa Fe is a vehicle of interest in a shooting investigation in Coquitlam. (Courtesy Coquitlam RCMP)

The RCMP is urging the public to stay away from Irwin.

“Given the most recent attempt made on the life of Chris Irwin, resulting in injuries to unrelated members of the public — complete innocent bystanders — police want to warn the public that anyone with Irwin or in proximity to Irwin may be putting themselves at great risk, including his own family and friends,” explained Law. “We know that gang members travel between jurisdictions and we just want the public to be aware so that they can take the appropriate measures to ensure their safety.”

Law says it’s important people be aware of their surroundings.

“We know people, when they’ve had attempts on their life, they tend to leave the area. That’s a total possibility so this is why we’re putting this message out there,” she added.

Anyone with information about either of these shootings, or anyone wo recognizes the suspects of vehicles pictured, is asked to contact investigators at 604.945.1550 and quote file 2022-7446.

-With files from Claire Fenton