Police continued on Thursday to comb for clues on a property where a Maple Ridge realtor and former councillor was shot.
Ridge Meadows RCMP cleared brush and shrubs with weed whackers to search for evidence on the seven-hectare (19-acre) site located on Lougheed Highway, just east of 240th Street.
Franz Prokop, meanwhile, remains in hospital, recovering from surgery after being shot multiple times in the head just after 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Police would only say that the Macdonald Realty agent is still under doctor’s care.
“Ridge Meadows RCMP acknowledge that there is a significant amount of media and public interest into this incident. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are not providing any specific details, other than to say that the investigation is making progress,” said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.
“Investigators are continuing to examine the crime scene, and surrounding area for evidence. Police are asking for anyone with any information to contact them.”
The rural property where Prokop was shot is one of his listings and currently on the market for $1.88 million. The property is owned by Haney Bingoplex Ltd.
It has previously housed a marijuana grow operation and a methamphetamine lab.
In 2010, a semi-trailer filled with a million dollars worth of brand name merchandise was torched on the property and eight people were arrested.
Friends of Prokop say he is doing well, considering his injuries.
“My understanding is he is progressing well, relative to the kind of injury that he had,” said Bob Shantz, a lawyer who is representing Prokop in a civil suit concerning a $3.6 million lottery ticket.
The civil suit, filed in New Westminster Supreme Court, alleges Peter Dushop, who was the son of Prokop’s former common-law wife, Angelika Dushop, took a lottery ticket Prokop purchased and cashed it just prior to the one year expiry date in July 2008.
Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin has known Prokop since he served as a municipal councillor during the mid-1980s. He was shocked to learn Prokop was the victim of the brazen daytime shooting.
“It’s a small community. Somebody always knows somebody,” said Daykin.
“Maple Ridge is a very safe community, things like this don’t happen. More things will come out as the investigation unfolds. We just have to be patient.”
• Police are asking anyone with information to come forward by calling Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251, or if you wish to remain anonymous call CrimeStoppers at 1 800 222-8477 or leave a TIP online at www.solvecrime.ca. Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $2000.00 if your information leads to an arrest and conviction.