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Nanaimo Shooting Incident Results in Death of Man

by Barbara McPherson | October 24, 2009 at 10:18 am

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Police answering a noise complaint on Selby Street in Nanaimo ended with a shooting incident which resulted in the death of an unidentified man. Neighbours in the South Nanaimo area said that they were not surprised at the police incident.

Police said multiple shots were fired after the man came outside the residence and confronted officers, who were waiting for the arrival of the specialized teams. Witnesses report hearing as many as 10 gunshots. Several residents who looked outside saw several officers crouched with guns drawn and heard police yell "drop your weapon."

RCMP officials will not say if the man was armed, how many shots were fired or if more than one officer shot at the man.

The victim died outside, where his body was blocked from view by sheets strung along property fences. It was removed about nine hours later. His identity was withheld pending notification of next of kin. No one else was injured.

Because the fatality involved police action, a police team from Victoria was required to investigate.

Nanaimo is a growing city and along with the ills that major cities bear, it has its share of homelessness, drug taking and prostitution.

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Amy Judd

at 12:03 on October 24th, 2009

I wonder what has happened in that area before to make the residents not surprised by the shooting?

Barbara McPherson

at 09:09 on October 25th, 2009

This area of town has more than its share of homeless, drug addicted people and generally down and outers. Of course, there is the criminal element in the area ready to meet their needs as well. Some of the area is becoming gentrified, but it's a slow process. The area has some lovely old homes and many have stunning views of the harbour and ocean.

Donnie Anderson (not verified)

at 09:13 on October 26th, 2009

Wow, I really don't understand that comment either Amy. I just moved from that area a few months ago (was living about 1 block away from the shooting for the past 3 years) and although the neighborhood has its fair share of homeless/drug addicts I was very surprised to hear about the shooting, this not a very common thing for nanaimo...