Young man injured in shooting at Vancouver Westside elementary school

Gun shots rang at an elementary school in the Vancouver Westside area early Saturday morning, prompting a police investigation.

According to Vancouver Police, the incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. when police were deployed to Sexsmith Elementary School at 7410 Columbia Street, located immediately south of Langara Golf Course.

“When police arrived, they determined that a group of men outside the school had been confronted by two other men who were unknown to them,” reads a statement by police. “One of those men produced a gun and shot at the group. All of the men involved ran away.”

Police believe an injured 21-year-old man with a gunshot wound, who was admitted into a local hospital shortly after the shooting, was involved in the incident. His injuries are said to be non-life threatening.

Investigators and forensic analysts remained at the scene throughout the day to collect evidence and determine the circumstances of the incident. At this time, no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators should contact Vancouver Police at 604-717-3321.

Fortunately, the shooting occurred on a weekend when no students and staff were present. Students are currently in the middle of Spring Break and will not return until Tuesday, March 29.

It was a busy night for the Vancouver Police as they were also investigating a sexual assault near Oak Street and West 48th Avenue, just two kilometres away from the school. The subsequent police search involved the use of a police dog and helicopter.