Coquitlam RCMP to hold Q&A following officer’s death; police ask community to wear red Wednesday

Two weeks after Ridge Meadows RCMP Const. Rick O’Brien was shot and killed, Coquitlam police are offering the community a chance to voice concerns at a community question-and-answer session.

The drop-in event is set to be held on Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Glen Pine Pavilion, police announced Tuesday.

“We understand that people have questions and concerns around community safety following serious incidents,” stated Coquitlam RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a release.

The event also affords an opportunity to resident to connect with Victim Services, community police volunteers and other resources, Hodgins added.

Serving a warrant

O’Brien was shot and killed while executing a search warrant at an apartment near Pinetree Way and Glen Drive in Coquitlam on Sept. 22.

He was 51.

The warrant was connected to a Maple Ridge drug investigation, according to the RCMP

Both O’Brien and another officer were shot. A third officer “sustained injuries” during the altercation, according to an RCMP release.

The suspect sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The two injured police officers were briefly hospitalized.

Coquitlam resident Nicholas Bellemare, 25, is facing charges of first degree murder and attempted murder with a firearm.

“Wear Red Wednesday”

Residents are encouraged to wear red on Wednesday to honour O’Brien.

The colour red is a sign of respect for RCMP members and their families, stated a release from the National Police Federation Benevolent Foundation

Shortly after O’Brien’s death, the foundation set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe to raise money for O’Brien’s family — which includes his wife and six children.

As of Tuesday afternoon, over 1,700 people have donated more than $158,000 to the fundraiser.

You can find out more information about the GoFundMe here.