A man suspected of shooting another man during a confrontation linked to the drug trade in Maple Ridge has turned himself in to police.
The man surrendered with the help of his lawyer on Sunday, a day after a 29-year-old man was gunned down on Dewdney Trunk Road.
He has since been charged with attempted murder with a firearm and has been remanded in custody until his first appearance on Thursday.
The charge of attempted murder has yet to be approved by Crown.
Ridge Meadows RCMP received multiple calls about gunshots heard near Dewdney Trunk Rd. and Rosewood Street just before 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Officers found a man, who was airlifted to hospital by the B.C. Ambulance Service. He remains in a drug-induced coma with life-threatening injuries.
“We are in the initial stages of an investigation into this incident,” said Insp. David Fleugel. “What I do know is the victim is well known to the members of our detachment, and he has been linked to the illicit drug trade in our area. This does not appear to be a random act.”
Police cordoned off a house where the shooting took place but confirmed the home did not have an illegal marijuana grow operation.
Fleugel added the quick actions of firefighters, nearby residents, police and paramedics helped save the man’s life.
“I would also like to thank the Maple Ridge Fire Department for lending us materials that assisted in preserving the scene for evidence that may have disappeared with the inclement weather,” he added.
Police have examined multiple crime scenes to gather evidence and continue to investigate the shooting.
• Police ask anyone with any information about this crime call Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251. To remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 1-800 222-8477 or leave a tip online at http://www.bccrimestoppers.com/. Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $2000.00 if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.
