IHIT investigating after body found in burned pickup truck in Maple Ridge

Homicide detectives are investigating after a body was found inside a burned-out black pickup truck in Maple Ridge on Saturday morning.

Mounties say they first received reports of the truck on fire at theintersection of Park Lane and Vernon Trail, near theNorth Alouette Regional Greenway, at 1:30 a.m. PT on Sept. 25.

After firefighters extinguished the flames, a body was discovered inside the truck. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) subsequently took over the investigation.

Police say it is currently unknown if the incident is related to the Lower Mainland gang conflict but IHIT did confirm on Mondaythat they believe it was targeted.

"We recognize the community is looking for answers, but we are not speculating on motives or associations," said Sgt.David Lee withIHIT.

"We are gathering all the facts so we can update and reassure the public as soon as possible."

According to investigators, the burned pickup truck did not have a muffler, which means it would have been very loud and noticeable to the public.

Police say the black pickup truck was determined to be a matte Black Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab.

They are asking for anyone who has dashcam footage and was travelling in the area around 1:30 a.m. to contact them.