British Columbia

1 person killed in parking lot shooting outside Nanaimo shopping centre

RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien said the shooting in the parking lot of the Rock City Centre shopping plaza was reported at around 3:30 p.m. Several people have been arrested at a local hotel.

Several arrested after violence in parking lot at Rock City Centre shopping plaza on Thursday afternoon

One person died after a shooting near the Rock City Centre shopping plaza in Nanaimo, B.C., on Thursday. (Google Street View)

One person is dead and several people have been arrested following a shooting in Nanaimo, B.C., on Thursday afternoon.

RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien said the shooting in the parking lot of the Rock City Centre shopping plaza was reported at around 3:30 p.m.

The victim was found dead inside a parked vehicle. Several arrests were made at the Best Western Hotel on Metral Drive in connection with the violence, O'Brien said.

A vehicle connected to one of the arrested people was seized as well, and investigators have searched the hotel for forensic evidence.

"This is a dynamic investigation and at this time we cannot confirm if there are others who are not in custody who may be involved in this shooting. As further information becomes known, the public will be advised," O'Brien said in a statement.

Police have yet to say whether the shooting is gang-related.

With files from Cory Correia