Airport shooting victim had gang links
The male victim of a brazen shooting at Vancouver International Airport's main terminal Sunday afternoon had links to B.C.'S deadly Lower Mainland gang conflict, according to Postmedia News sources.
The fatal shooting, which caused chaos in the area of the airport, occurred between 3 and 3:25 p.m. outside the Canada and International Departures terminal on the airport's upper level.
The airport is located on Sea Island in Richmond, the neighbouring city to Vancouver.
The Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Investigation team confirmed the death.
One employee at a nearby car rental centre says he heard multiple gunshots fired in the area.
Two RCMP officers were seen running across the skybridge linking the covered airport parking lot to the domestic terminal at 3:35 p.m.
They appeared to be heading toward the south end of that terminal, while another person ran in the opposite direction.
A person was shown on social media laying in front of the signage, being tended to by another person and an RCMP officer.
The killer and associates fled in a Honda Pilot, shooting at police as they made their getaway.
A Honda Pilot that was later found burning in Surrey's Royal Heights neighbourhood was believed to be the suspects' vehicle.
All five bridge crossings onto Sea Island were temporarily closed as a result of the shooting.
Translink also suspended its Canadaline service in Richmond, but the trains had resumed service to all Sea Island stations by later in the day.
However Metro Vancouver Transit Police were still asking the public to, if possible, avoid Sea Island and the airport Sunday afternoon and evening.
Gang sources told Postmedia that sometimes sensitive meetings are arranged at the airport as it is considered safe territory.