Nanaimo police found a man dead in a parked vehicle from apparent gunshot wounds on Thursday afternoon.
At about 3:30 p.m. RCMP went to the scene after receiving a report of shots fired in the Rock City Plaza parking lot, 2980 Island Highway, on the north side of the city.
“As the investigation developed, officers arrested several individuals at the Best Western Hotel on Metral Drive.
“A vehicle associated to these individuals has been seized,” police said.
The hotel was secured for a time while officers searched the interior of the building for forensic evidence related to the shooting.
“This is a dynamic investigation and at this time we cannot confirm if there are others who are not in custody, who may be involved in this shooting. As further information becomes known, the public will be advised,” said Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien.
Anyone with dash cam video from the area of Rock City Plaza between 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Thursday is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file #2021-18372.
The B.C.’s Coroners Service was at the scene.
Rock City Plaza contains about 18 businesses, including fast-food restaurants, a gym, deli and financial adviser’s office.
