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Man pleads guilty to Nanaimo drive-by shooting; trial for co-accused starts

Jan 14, 2019 | 3:59 PM

NANAIMO — A surprise guilty plea was made to open a trial for two men accused of a shocking drive-by shooting in Nanaimo.

Co-accused Inderpal Aujla, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and failing to stop for police after several gunshots were fired from one car to another on March 1, 2016 on Wakesiah Ave. near Second St.

Aujla will be sentenced in provincial court at a later date, removing him from a Supreme Court trial with co-accused Armaan Chandi.

The 21-year-old Chandi pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and four other charges, leading to the start of his trial late Monday afternoon.

Crown prosecutor Nick Barber outlined core elements of the case against Chandi, which he said will include several eyewitness accounts.

Barber said it’s unclear who fired the 45-glock pistol which hit a car with a man inside, who was not hurt.

Seven bullets were found at the scene of the brazen shooting, which happened in broad daylight.

Barber said gun residue was found on the hands and face of both Chandi and Aujla.

The intended target had no relation to the drug trade and appeared to have been the victim of mistaken identity, according to Barber.

The Crown will argue Aujla was behind the wheel of a car which led Mounties on a high-speed chase from Nanaimo to Duncan after the incident.

Two RCMP officers were injured in the chase in Ladysmith during a failed bid to box the getaway car in, according to Barber.

Chandi’s trial is expected to last two weeks.

He and Aujla are being represented by different lawyers.

The proceedings are being overseen by the Honourable Justice Robin Baird.

 

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes