Daytime shooting closes down Vancouver’s busy Robson Street to traffic and pedestrians

Visible bullet holes and flashing police lights remain on Robson Street Saturday evening after officials shut down an entire block for several hours following what’s believed to be a targeted shooting in downtown Vancouver.

Police got calls from multiple witnesses around 5:40 p.m. local time after shots were fired near Richards and Robson streets — a popular destination for shopping and dining, typically busy with pedestrians on weekends.

“Evidence indicates the shooting was targeted, and at this time there are no known injuries and no arrests have been made,” said Vancouver police in a release.

At the centre of the scene, near the alley, was a black BMW SUV. Its front appears to have smashed into a white Audi SUV that also remains at the scene.

At least nine numbered yellow cones — the ones typically used to mark off evidence at a crime scene — could be seen on the ground surrounding the SUV.

A witness told CBC News that they heard gunshots shortly before the black and white SUVs collided. Three bullet holes could be seen on the passenger side rear door of the black vehicle.

Looks like victim was shot in the alley of Tim Hortons at Robson and Richards street. Paramedics now attending victim. @xDaw_son

Another bullet hole could be seen in the window of a nearby Tim Hortons.

Police cordoned off the road and sidewalk between Richards Street and Homer Street, preventing pedestrians from accessing the many shops and restaurants in that block.

CBC News has reached out to the Vancouver Police Department for more information. Police are also asking any witnesses to contact them at 604-717-2541.

As of 8 p.m. the area was still blocked off, and investigators were expecting to work throughout the night.