The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is investigating two separate incidents in Surrey over the past two days.
The string of shootings which have occurred in Surrey since early March continued into this weekend, and has now claimed a life.
Surrey RCMP responded to a call of shots fired near 126 Street and 88 Avenue at approximately 3 a.m. Sunday morning. One man was found badly injured, was taken to hospital but died.
IHIT has identified him as 22-year-old Arun Paul Singh Bains.
“We believe this to be a targeted event,” said Sgt. Stephanie Ashton of IHIT. “At this point in the investigation we cannot even speculate on the circumstances of what happened here.”
Close to two dozen shootings have occurred in the Surrey/North Delta area in the past six weeks, and on Tuesday Surrey RCMP and Delta police announced rivalling groups of South Asians and Somalians were responsible.
“We believe these two groups are competing over drug turf and have chosen to resolve their differences in a way that jeopardizes public safety,” said Surrey RCMP Chief Supt. Bill Fordy.
In an unrelated incident, IHIT is asking for the public’s assistance following a suspicious death in the early hours of Saturday morning (April 18).
Surrey RCMP responded to a call for assistance by BC Ambulance, and upon arrival learned a 57- year-old male had been found deceased by roommates. One male was arrested by police, interviewed by IHIT investigators, then released without charge pending further investigation.
“It is our belief the victim and suspect knew each,” said Ashton.
Police are requesting anyone who heard an altercation in the 13800 block of Hansen Road, Surrey between 1-4 a.m. to contact IHIT investigators.
