One man is reportedly dead after an early morning shooting at a known drug house in Chilliwack Wednesday.
The RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was on the scene at a bright yellow house on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Cedar Avenue.
Tweet-IHITPolice tape had a stretch of Broadway taped off as officers investigated what appears to be the first homicide of the year.
Chilliwack RCMP said it’s early in the investigation but police believe the incident was targeted, and IHIT has taken over the investigation.
Neighbours reported hearing between six to eight shots at approximately 6 a.m.
At around 8:30 a.m. some friends and family of the victim arrived on scene and were being notified by police.
“He’s dead,” a distraught woman was heard to say into her cellphone. “The cops just told us.”
A neighbour reported to The Progress that there may be a second man with an injury. At approximately 6:15 a.m. two ambulances showed up and two people were brought out. One was covered on a stretcher, while another was walking but was assisted to an ambulance by paramedics.
The neighbour said the house in question at 9291 Broadway Ave. is a notorious drug house watched by area residents.
“They busted them a week and a half ago,” she said. “They’ve busted it a couple of times.”
She said many in the neighbourhood use a private messaging app to share information with each other and record licence plates to report to police.
“We’re just trying to get these guys off our street,” she said, adding that all day long she sees guys coming in on bicycles with backpacks and suitcases.
“They are exchanging goods for drugs,” she said. “I’m positive. I’ve seen TV sets… all sorts of stuff has gone on in this house.”
IHIT sent out a Tweet about the incident at 11:18 a.m. on Wednesday.
“Very early in investigation but believed targeted,” the Tweet stated, adding that anyone with information should call IHIT. The IHIT tip line is 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihittipline@rcmp-grc-gc.ca.
IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Frank Jang will speak provide a media statement at the scene at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
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