An RCMP officer was killed and two others were seriously injured in a shooting incident while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam, B.C. The shooting occurred on Friday morning in downtown Coquitlam. The suspect involved in the shooting was also seriously injured. The injured officers were treated by emergency workers at the scene.
During a press conference, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that 51-year-old Constable Rick O’Brien had been killed in the shooting. Constable O’Brien, who had been with the RCMP for seven years, was described as a respected officer who was loved by his community. He was a speaker at a community event called the Gratitude and Appreciation Summit in 2020 and was known for his sense of humor. He leaves behind a wife and six children.
This incident comes less than a year after Constable Shaelyn Yang, another RCMP officer, was killed in Burnaby while on duty. Deputy Commissioner McDonald expressed the sadness and frustration in the RCMP community over the loss of another officer, stating that it serves as a reminder of the dangers faced in their line of work.
The details of the shooting are still being investigated, and the nature of the search warrant has not been disclosed. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Independent Investigations Office are conducting separate investigations into the incident. Superintendent Wendy Mehat, also at the press conference, emphasized Constable O’Brien’s contributions to the community and described his death as senseless and heartbreaking.
At the scene of the shooting, numerous police vehicles and yellow tape blocked off the area. Witnesses reported seeing injured officers being treated on site before being transported to the hospital. Local businesses were asked to remain closed for the rest of Friday and Saturday.
B.C. Premier David Eby confirmed that a “critical incident” had occurred but did not provide further details. The police have assured the public that there is no ongoing risk to safety.