Two arrested after man beat with shotgun at pub in Richmond
It was a tense situation at a pub in Richmond Thursday night, where witnesses describe a masked man barging in and assaulting a patron with the butt of a shotgun.
Police cars surrounded the Pioneer’s Pub on No. 3 Road around 8 p.m. after reports of a man wearing a balaclava targeted a man inside the pub.
Richmond RCMP say they received a report of shots fired and a man brandishing a firearm, possibly with hostages.
Police say the victim, a 32-yearold man, was struck in the head with a shotgun, and the attacker fled in a car with three other people. The victim was taken to hospital and was expected to recover.
Vancouver police Const. Jason Doucette confirmed at least two suspects were arrested in Vancouver shortly after 9 p.m. at a White Spot restaurant on Southeast Marine Drive.
He said officers spotted a vehicle believed to be involved in the Richmond attack. He said two suspects were arrested with the assistance of VPD’s emergency response team as they attempted to get away in the vehicle.
A 19-year-old male and a 22-year-old male are in custody in Richmond.
Officers recovered a firearm during the arrest. The suspects, vehicle and related property were turned over to the Richmond RCMP.
“Our investigators were able to confirm that no shots were fired, nor were any hostages involved,” says Richmond RCMP Cpl. Dennis Hwang. “These types of incidents are always treated very seriously and illustrate the dynamic and fluid circumstances that police must contend with on a daily basis. Further, it highlights the importance of accurate information.”
Doucette said investigators were tipped off that there may be more suspects inside the restaurant.
Two more men inside were held for questioning, then released at the scene once it was confirmed they had no involvement in the attack.