On September 22, 2023, at approximately 10 a.m., Ridge Meadows RCMP officers were executing a warrant in Coquitlam in relation to a drug investigation originating from Maple Ridge.
While there, the attending officers became engaged in an altercation with a man which resulted in Cst. O’Brien being fatally shot. A second RCMP officer was shot and wounded in addition to a third officer having sustained injures during the course of the event.
The two wounded officers were transported to hospital where they were treated for injuries. They have since been released and are recovering at home. Cst. O’Brien succumbed to his injuries on scene, despite the best efforts of BC Emergency Health Services.
During the altercation, the suspect was also shot and wounded. As a result, the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO BC) is running a concurrent investigation.
On September 23, 2023, the BC Prosecution Service approved charges against Nicholas Bellemare, 25, of Coquitlam. Bellemare has been charged with one count of First Degree Murder and one count of Attempted Murder with a firearm. Bellemare has been remanded in custody.
“This is a profound loss and I understand it will have a lasting effect on Cst. O’Brien’s family, friends, colleagues and the community,” said Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, Office- in-Charge of IHIT. “We wish to send our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this tragic event.”
Death of another officer in line of duty left everyone grieving at the tragic incident. Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said, “I was shocked and saddened to learn that Ridge Meadows RCMP Const. Rick (Fredrick) O’Brien was killed in the line of duty while attending to an incident in Coquitlam this morning. We stand with the colleagues, families and loved ones of Const. Rick O’Brien. Beneath the uniform an officer is person with a family, friends, and dreams – they believe in their communities and sacrifice of themselves to keep us all safe.”
Farnworth said he spoke to the local mayors, and they all agree that the death of an officer is a stark reminder of the dangers police face to keep us safe.
Anyone who may have information regarding this homicide is asked to contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at: [email protected].
