‘Good coincidence’ as officer stumbles on gunshot victim in New Westminster, B.C.

Police are investigating an overnight shooting in Metro Vancouver that has sent one man to hospital after an officer stumbled across the victim while on patrol.

New Westminster police said the officer discovered the victim lying on the ground “in apparent distress” at about 3 a.m. Friday in the area of 100 Columbia Street.

The man was given first aid at the scene then taken to hospital to treat gunshot wounds.

Investigators closed parts of Columbia Street for several hours, although no further information has been released.

Major crime investigators have taken over the case, and the investigation is ongoing.

Sgt. Andrew Leaver with New Westminster Police said they were thankful the patrolling officer found the victim relatively soon after the shooting.

“In this case, it’s a good coincidence, because hopefully that first aid was helpful in being able to save this person,” said Leaver, adding that the victim is now recovering.

But Leaver said officers are still trying to figure out exactly when the shooting occurred and what the circumstances were.

“Our officer encountered this person at approximately three o’clock in the morning, but it’s possible that someone was driving in the area that may have related dashcam footage, and they just don’t know it. So if you were in that area, we’d appreciate to hear from you.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2026.