COURTENAY, B.C- Local police are asking residents in Courtenay’s north end to watch out for suspicious activity, after a 30 year old man was shot early on Wednesday morning.
The incident took place around 1:25 a.m. at a residence in the 5700 block of Highway 19a North.
The man shot was 30 years old. Early this morning, he had encountered another man on his property. After a brief interaction, he was shot.
He was taken to hospital by BC Ambulance, and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The suspect, described as a young man between 20 and 25 years of age, has not yet been found.
Since notifying the public about the shooting, police have received several tips, which involve the sighting of a white man in the suspect’s age range. In one of the sightings, a homeowner in the area reported finding an unknown man in his unlocked detached garage, who left after being confronted.
The unknown man left on foot, without incident.
“Investigators have not yet confirmed if these incidents are related however they are encouraging residents in the area on Highway 19 A and Coleman Road, to report any suspicious activity they see to the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338- 1321,” read a release from the detachment.
“If a suspicious person is encountered, do not approach or engage with them. Get the best description you can, a direction of travel and call 911 immediately. The police are also reminding residents, as a rule for their general safety, to keep doors locked.”
No additional information on the suspect’s description has been released by police, and Constable Rob Gardner of the Comox Valley RCMP stated that people should “carry on with their day”, as the search unfolds.
“Any time there is a shooting, like we had earlier today, it’s not a good thing, obviously,” said Gardner.
“We’re asking people just to be observant, and if they see anything, to let us know.”
Police are still on scene as of this publication. As more information about this incident becomes available, this story will be updated.
