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Richmond RCMP, investigators appeal for witnesses after airport shooting

People with possible dashcam footage asked to contact the police
Chief Superintendent Will Ng
Richmond RCMP Chief Supt. Will Ng speaks on the shooting and death of a male at Vancouver International Airport on Mother's Day

Richmond RCMP and homicide investigators are asking witnesses and drivers with information and dashcam footage following a shooting that killed a man at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Sunday afternoon.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is asking anyone who witnessed the shooting around 3 p.m. at YVR airport to come forward.

A 28-year-old man was shot and killed shortly before 3 p.m. just outside the international departure terminal on May 9.

IHIT's Sgt. Frank Jang, said the victim was known to police and the incident is believed to be part of the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.

He announced at a media conference on Sunday evening that there were at least two suspects involved who fled the scene in the SUV.

Richmond RCMP officers intercepted and pursued the vehicle leaving the airport and shots were fired at the officers' vehicle near No. 3 Road and Sea Island Way.

While no officers were hurt, RCMP ended their pursuit in fear of "injuring or killing innocent bystanders."

Shortly after the incident, a burned-out vehicle, similar to the one fleeing Richmond, was found in the 9700 block of Princess Drive in Surrey.

Investigators believe the suspects fled in the vehicle on Highway 99, onto Highway 91, crossing the Alex Fraser Bridge and onto River Road before ditching the vehicle and burning it in an alley -- about 28-kilometres away from the airport.

Richmond RCMP Chief Supt. Will Ng, called the broad daylight shooting an "attack with no regard for public safety."

"This generation of gangsters is taking things to another level," said Ng.

"They are looking for any opportunity to target people or rivals of other gangs and doing it with no regard for children or innocent people in the community."

He added that they are taking "next-level strategies," which include working with other law enforcement agencies and partners and will do their "utmost to bring those responsible to justice."

Meanwhile, Jang said he is tired of seeing all the violence on the streets and that there "are no further words" to describe it.

"Please do the right thing. Stop killing each other. Apparently, it's fallen on deaf ears for some and they continue shooting their guns and putting all of us in jeopardy," he said.

Community members are also encouraged to dissuade anyone they know from involving themselves in gangs.

No suspect is currently in custody.