Note: This story has been updated to reflect new information from the New Westminster Police Department.
The New West Police Department has confirmed that attempted murder charges laid against two young men are tied to a “possible shooting” reported last week.
Last Monday, police issued a news release saying there was a possible shooting in the area of 9th Street and St. Andrews Street in Uptown New West.
When officers arrived, shortly after 4:40 p.m., several people were located, but no one with any obvious injuries.
Following that shooting, the major crime unit – along with other NWPD investigative units, the Burnaby RCMP and the Lower Mainland emergency response team – made two arrests late last week.
Ahmed Riyaz Tahir, 18, and Matin Hadi Ghulam, 23, allegedly fired a prohibited or restricted handgun on July 22 at two young men under the age of 18, who cannot be named, “with intent to wound, maim or disfigure, or to endanger the life of.”
Tahir and Ghulam are each facing three charges – attempted murder, using an restricted or prohibited firearm and possessing a restricted or prohibited firearm without a licence.
“This was a great example of units within the NWPD working together with our partner agencies to ensure the safety of the public, culminating in the arrest of two individuals,” stated Acting Chief Constable David Jansen.
Charges were laid against the two on Thursday, July 25, and the two have each had bail hearings delayed.
Little is known about the incident at this time. None of the accused, nor the alleged victims, has a criminal history registered on Court Services Online.
