People emerging from a tribute to Paul Leahy at the Rickshaw Theatre were stunned last night to see a swarm of Vancouver police, including some wearing gas masks.

The heavily armed officers were on the scene investigating a shooting in the nearby Savoy Hotel at 258 East Hastings Street.

According to police, a man in his 50s died after being rushed to hospital with a gunshot wound.

The victim's name has not been released.

"It is very early in the investigation," the VPD said in a news release. "No additional details are available at this time."

Another man has been taken into custody, according to a CBC News report.

The Savoy Hotel has a pub known for its cheap drinks and live music.

Update:

On January 29, the VPD identified the deceased as 62-year-old Vancouver resident Joseph Billy Bustinski. He's the first murder victim of the year in Vancouver.