Burnaby Police Investigate Fatal Shooting and Vehicle Fire
Police in Burnaby, British Columbia, are conducting a thorough investigation after a man was discovered dead inside a burning vehicle following reports of gunfire on Thursday evening. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the 3700 block of Canada Way and Boundary Road, prompting a significant emergency response.
Timeline of the Tragic Event
Authorities were alerted to the situation just before 5:30 p.m. on January 23, 2026, after multiple calls reported shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, officers encountered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished by the Burnaby Fire Department, the body of an adult male was located inside the charred automobile.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has now assumed control of the case, working in collaboration with the Burnaby RCMP. Investigators are treating the death as suspicious and are meticulously examining the scene for evidence. Forensic teams have been deployed to collect potential ballistic evidence and determine the exact sequence of events.
Community Impact and Police Response
The shooting and subsequent vehicle fire have sent shockwaves through the local community. The area surrounding Canada Way and Boundary Road was cordoned off for several hours as police conducted their initial investigation, causing significant traffic disruptions during the evening commute.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Janelle Shoihet addressed the media, stating, "This is a complex and active investigation. Our primary focus is determining the circumstances that led to this individual's death and identifying any persons involved." She emphasized that public safety remains a top priority and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Investigators are currently pursuing several lines of inquiry, including:
- Reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residential properties
- Interviewing potential witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the incident
- Analyzing forensic evidence recovered from the vehicle and surrounding scene
- Examining the victim's background and possible connections
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Police have not disclosed whether they are seeking any suspects at this early stage of the investigation, nor have they confirmed if the shooting and vehicle fire are directly connected to other criminal activities in the region.
This incident marks another violent event in Metro Vancouver, coming amid ongoing concerns about public safety and gun violence in urban areas. The Burnaby RCMP has increased patrols in the neighborhood as the investigation continues to unfold.
