Man shot by crossbow on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside; police say investigation focused on encampment

A man has been shot with a crossbow on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, according to police.

A man has been shot with a crossbow on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, according to police.

In a social media post, describing the incident as "unfolding" the Vancouver Police Department said the victim was seriously injured and taken to hospital.

"His attacker fled," the tweet continued. "VPD officers are at the scene gathering evidence."

In a subsequent tweet, police said the man was shot in the chest, and that investigators "believe the victim was targeted."

The specific location and time of the alleged attack were not provided, nor was further information about the suspect. However, the VPD said the ongoing investigation is "centered around the encampment" on East Hastings Street near Carrall Street.

For months, tents and structures have lined a several-blocks-long stretch of road. The tent city is currently home to hundreds and efforts to dismantle it have almost completely stalled, primarily because there is not enough alternative shelter available or on offer.

The city's fire chief ordered the stretch of sidewalk cleared on July 25, citing the potential for a "catastrophic" outcome if a blaze were to break out. That move is being challenged in court by several residents who call the encampment home.