Pioneer Pub in Richmond saw a man wielding a rifle attack a patron on Jan.18. Two men believed to be involved in the incident were later arrested at a Vancouver restaurant.
A man wielding a rifle and concealed by a balaclava stormed into the Pioneer Pub Thursday evening and attacked a suspected drug dealer, according to an eyewitness account.
The witness told the Richmond News the gunman did not fire any shots but proceeded to target one patron and then seriously assaulted him with his weapon.
Prior to the assault, at around 8 p.m., it had been a family-friendly affair inside the pub for a memorial, according to several accounts on social media.
When the gunman entered, one man yelled out, “he’s got a gun,” and patrons scrambled to the floor.
The witness said they fled via the back kitchen door. It was said amongst some patrons that the victim may have been involved in drug dealing and the apparent attack appears to be a message being sent amongst gang rivals.
The witness said an ambulance arrived to tend to the victim.
Richmond RCMP are said to have arrived on the scene very quickly and by about 8:30 p.m. there were a dozen police cars at the scene.
Pioneer Pub is located at Broadmoor shopping centre at No. 3 and Williams roads.
Police have yet to issue a statement on the incident as of 10 p.m.
