Vancouver Police increasing patrols in DTES after week of gun violence

“The number of guns currently in the Downtown Eastside is alarming, and we’re worried for the safety of people who live and work in the area,” says Sergeant Steve Addison. “Besides putting extra officers on the street, our organized crime experts and major crime investigators are working to determine why we’re seeing such an increase in guns in the area.”

VPD officers found the victim of Thursday morning’s shooting near East Hastings and Carrall Street, after being called to an SRO hotel by B.C. Ambulance Service. Investigators believe the victim was shot around 5 a.m. while riding a bike near the Downtown Eastside. The man was able to make his way back home before calling 9-1-1.

The incident comes less than four days after a man was shot multiple times on Sunday, Feb. 19 near Main and Hastings, in what police believe was a targeted attack that originated near the encampment on East Hastings Street.

Front-line officers conducting proactive enforcement in the Downtown Eastside have made a number of arrests since Sunday’s shooting. The additional officers are part of a dedicated quick-response team that normally moves around the city. They’ll assist by conducting additional patrols on East Hastings Street, in Chinatown, and throughout Gastown to deter crime and respond to in-progress violence.

“Residents of the Downtown Eastside already face so many hardships, and they shouldn’t have to worry that someone with a gun, a machete, or bear spray is going to make their lives more difficult,” adds Sergeant Addison. “Our only goal by adding more officers is to restore a sense of safety in the community and to target the law-breakers who are putting people at risk.”

Police encourage anyone who believes their safety is in immediate danger, or anyone with information about a violent crime in progress, to call 9-1-1.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Vancouver Police increasing patrols in DTES after week of gun violence

More Local News