Police say a man is "extremely fortunate" to have escaped death or injury after he was shot at while in his driveway early yesterday morning (Monday).
Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said the incident occurred at about 5:30 a.m. in the 2900 block of Flagman Place – located just south of Fraser Highway and east of Station Road, the border between Aldergrove and Abbotsford.
MacDonald said the victim had walked out of his home and was loading stuff into his truck in preparation to head to work when he heard the sound of a nearby vehicle.
Suddenly, a man in dark clothing ran towards him and began shooting.
The victim scrambled to get back into his home, and a slip on the ice was probably what saved him, MacDonald said.
“He (the victim) believes a couple of rounds went over his head.”
The man made it safely back to his residence and the shooter fled in a dark four-door sedan. He is believed to have been a passenger in the vehicle.
MacDonald said investigators believe six or seven rounds were fired. Two shots hit the victim’s home, and one hit a neighbour’s residence.
There were occupants inside both homes at the time of the shooting, but nobody was injured.
MacDonald wouldn’t reveal the exact age of the victim, but said he between the ages of 35 and 45.
Police do not believe the incident is connected to the ongoing Townline Hill conflict, which involves two groups of men, primarily of South Asian descent, battling for drug turf in west Abbotsford.
He said the victim “does not have a remarkable or concerning criminal history,” and a motive for the shooting is not yet known.
Officers with the major crime unit are continuing to investigate. They are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward by contacting the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225, text abbypd (222973) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.