Craig Premack, B.C. randonneur cyclist, shot during Cache Creek 600
Police seeking unidentified shooter who fled in a pick-up truck
A 59-year-old Burnaby man was shot and seriously injured early Sunday morning near Spences Bridge, B.C., while taking part in a randonneur road cycling event.
The cyclist has been identified as Craig Premack, by his family.
Lytton RCMP said he was cycling on Highway 1 just south of Spences Bridge at around 1 a.m. PT when someone opened fire on him, hitting his upper body.
Police believe the unknown assailant took the shot from off the highway and then fled in a pickup truck.
Premack was taken to a local hospital and remains in stable condition, police said. He is expected to make a full recovery.
"The investigation is ongoing and police are looking to speak with anyone who has any information regarding the incident, the suspect or the pickup truck," said RCMP Const. Kris Clark.
"The seriousness of this offence and potential randomness is very concerning to us," said Clark
Premack was taking part in the Cache Creek 600, a 600-kilometre two-day cycling marathon from Pitt Meadows to Cache Creek put on by the B.C. Randonneurs Cycling Club.
Riders taking part left Pitt Meadows Saturday morning for the 300-kilometre ride through Mission, Agassiz, and up the Fraser Canyon through Spences Bridge to the turn-around point in Cache Creek.
Because of the long distances involved, the cyclists in the ride are on the road during the early hours of the morning when Premack was shot.
Ray Nigalis, who owns The Inn at Spences Bridge, which was a check-point for the ride, said after Premack was shot, other riders rushed in, saying call paramedics and police.
"You try to rationalize it, so there's a reason for it, but what's the reason for just a senseless act of violence?" said Nigalis.