Police have confirmed multiple casualties after a series of shootings in Langley, B.C., prompted emergency alerts Monday.
The first alert, issued just after 6:15 a.m. PT, reported “multiple shooting scenes” in downtown Langley and an “incident” in neighboring Langley Township. The alert included a description of a suspect.
Police confirmed a man had been arrested shortly before 7am, but said officers were still determining whether the suspect was acting alone.
“We do have one male suspect in custody. However, we are ruling out any other outstanding individuals before we suspend the emergency alert,” said Sgt. Rebecca Parslow.
Parslow said there were several victims, but did not specify how many. He said the victims were homeless and police believe the attack was targeted.
At least one person has died as the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is responding to the incident.
Langley RCMP and emergency response crews are pictured Monday at the scene of a suspected shooting on 200 Street near the Langley Bypass. (Ben Nelms/CBC) RCMP are shown Monday at a second location near Logan Avenue and Glover Road in Langley, BC. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
The alert described the suspect as a white male with dark hair wearing a brown Carhartt jumpsuit and a blue and green camouflage T-shirt with a red logo on the right sleeve.
The notice said it was connected to a white car, but did not say if police had identified a make or model.
Officials sent out a second emergency alert shortly after 7:20 a.m. PT, reiterating the need to stay away from downtown while officers investigate whether there are more suspects.
The city and township of Langley is located about 40 kilometers southeast of Vancouver.
RCMP have closed 200 Street, a major downtown route, between Willowbrook Mall and the Langley Bypass.
Police specified the following areas as places for the public to avoid:
- 200 Street and Langley Bypass
- Cascades Casino at Fraser Highway and 204 Street
- The Langley Bus Loop at Logan Avenue and Glover Road
More to come.