The RCMP's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has been deployed to the Sunshine Coast after a man died in Halfmoon Bay in the early hours of June 22.
At 3:38 a.m., the Sunshine Coast RCMP were called to the 8000 block of Birch Way, Halfmoon Bay, after a report of a shooting, an IHIT press release detailed. Frontline officers attended and located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders, the victim succumbed to his injuries. Investigators are working to confirm the identity of the victim.
A suspect was identified at the scene and taken into custody, said the release.
As of just before 2 p.m., Birch Way was closed to the public.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact IHIT immediately, said the release, adding that they believe this is an isolated incident with "no continuing risk to public safety.”
The agency is seeking witnesses or anyone with dash cameras who were in the area of the 8000 block of Birch Way between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected].
Coast Reporter was alerted to the police presence along Highway 101 in the Trout Lake area by a community member who drove past the scene. The individual said that as of 10:30 a.m. officers and two RCMP patrol units with warning lights engaged were at the scene. He reported an approximate 100-foot area on the east side of the highway had been secured behind police tape. In an update shortly after noon, he indicated that a police canine unit was also at the location.
Sunshine Coast RCMP detachment has not provided a comment or update on the situation. No reports of disruptions to vehicle traffic along the highway have been received.
IHIT is conducting the investigation and is "working closely" with the Sunshine Coast RCMP Detachment, BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS).
Video edited by Alanna Kelly
