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New Westminster – At approximately noon on April 18th New Westminster Police Department officers responded to a shooting in Downtown New Westminster. Multiple shots were fired into a group of people, and the suspect fled the scene. One man was wounded, and two people were arrested near a local hospital. Numerous specialty units assisted in collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and canvassing for CCTV footage.
On April 25th the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team made an arrest in the Downtown neighbourhood and charges were approved on May 30th in connection to this shooting.
55 year old James Christopher Cheeseman of New Westminster has been charged with the following:
Possession a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code
Pointing a firearm contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
Possession a firearm knowing that the serial number on it had been altered defaced or removed, contrary to section 108(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
“The Major Crime Unit worked diligently to collect evidence and work with Crown Counsel to obtain charge approval,” stated Staff Sergeant Jeff Scott, “Our Victim Assistance Unit is working with people who were in the area to ensure they have ongoing support and services as this matter progresses through the court process.”
While investigators believe this shooting was targeted, it does not appear to be connected to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.
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CONTACT PERSON: Hailey Finnigan
EMAIL: communications@nwpolice.org
