Homicide investigators said Thursday that a brazen daylight shooting outside a South Surrey shopping complex has all the hallmarks of a gang murder.

Craig Widdifield, 28, was shot to death around 7 p.m. Wednesday night as he sat in a parked vehicle outside of the Steve Nash Fitness Centre, near the Morgan Crossing Shopping Centre on 24th Avenue.

Authorities say Widdifield has ties to the drug trade.

Witness J.C. Croteau told CTV News the man had just left the gym and had gotten into his vehicle when three or four gunshots rang out.

“I was within 10 to 20 feet,” he said, adding it appeared the man was specifically and brutally targeted.

“Just kind of one square shot to the face,” Croteau said.

It is believed the suspect fled in a Jeep Cherokee and got into a silver or gray-coloured Volkswagen Passat somewhere near 28th Ave. and 165 St. in Surrey. Anyone with information about the vehicle is asked to come forward.

RCMP believe the attack is linked to recent gang shootings.

"My suspicion at this point is that it is part of an ongoing gang rivalry between factions that are competing for drug money or drug turf,” Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said.

Fordy said police are concerned about the brazen nature of the shooting, which took place outside a busy shopping centre.

“The notion that somebody would come in and engage in that type of behaviour in a public place is offensive to everybody that lives in this community and works in this community,” he said.

"It could have been my brother, sister, son or daughter walking by so it’s very concerning."

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the investigation in conjunction with the Surrey RCMP.

“This merciless shooting was a targeted, gang associated killing that took place in a very busy residential and business complex. IHIT and Surrey RCMP are asking any and all witnesses with information to contact police,” said Sgt. Jennifer Pound.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT Tip Line at 1-877-551-4448 or if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.