Photo: CTV

Some tense moments in Richmond Thursday when police were called to a possible hostage situation and a man with a gun.

Cpl. Dennis Hwang said shortly before 8 p.m. Jan. 18, RCMP responded to a business in the 10,000 block of No. 3 Road for a call of shots fired and a man brandishing a firearm, possibly with hostages.

Multiple Richmond RCMP officers surrounded the business and established a security perimeter around the area.

“A 32-year old male, who was a patron of the business, was assaulted by a suspect dressed in dark clothing and wearing a balaclava. The victim was allegedly struck in the head with part of a firearm, believed to be a shotgun. The suspect then fled in a light-coloured vehicle occupied by multiple suspects. The victim appeared to be specifically targeted,” said Hwang.

“An immediate broadcast was sent to all neighbouring law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for a light-coloured vehicle with multiple suspects and to exercise caution as they may be armed and dangerous.”

Members of the Vancouver Police Department located the suspect vehicle at 9 p.m. near Ross Street and Marine Drive.

VPD officers, including those from their Emergency Response Team provided assistance to Richmond RCMP.

“A 19-year old male and a 22-year old male are currently in custody in Richmond. The crime vehicle has been seized awaiting further analysis and investigation. The victim was transported to hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. He has not been co-operative with investigators. The victim and suspects are known to police,” said Hwang.

Richmond RCMP is continuing their investigation and other arrests may be forthcoming.

This is the second incident in Richmond in as many weeks where a firearm has been reported.

"Our investigators were able to confirm that no shots were fired, nor were any hostages involved," said Hwang. "These types of incidents are always treated very seriously and illustrate the dynamic and fluid circumstances that police must contend with on a daily basis. Further, it highlights the importance of accurate information.”