1 dead and 3 in custody after assault outside Abbotsford mall
A homicide investigation is underway in Abbotsford, B.C., after an assault outside a local mall.
One man is dead and police are now looking for witnesses to come forward.
Abbotsford police were called to Seven Oaks Mall on South Fraser Way at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night after reports of an assault.
“Upon arrival, officers located a man suffering from serious life-threatening injuries,” said Const. Paul Walker, of the Abbotsford Police Department, in a news release early Thursday morning.
First responders assisted the victim before rushing him to the hospital, but he did not survive.
The Abbotsford Police Major Crime Unit then handed the investigation over to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
The victim has been identified, but police say his name is not being released pending next of kin notification.
“The victim is 41 years old and from Abbotsford with no connection to gangs,” IHIT's Sgt. David Lee said in a news release late Thursday morning.
Abbotsford police officers with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Police Dog Service tracked down three suspects.
One adult and two youths were taken into custody.
“This is believed to be an isolated incident,” Lee said.
Officers could be seen scouring the area for evidence with flashlights early Thursday morning and most of the parking lots surrounding the mall were put behind police tape.
It appears the assault happened outside the Shoppers Drug Mart on the north side of the mall.
Investigators laid down evidence markers next to what appeared to be a pile of clothes and other belongings.
“Although arrests have been made, we are still searching for key evidence, and priority tasks are being completed," Lee said.
IHIT says it’s now working in partnership with APD’s Forensic Identification Section and the BC Coroners Service
“Statements are being taken and the forensic examination continues. The investigation is still in its early stages and a timeline of events is being constructed,” wrote Lee.
The mall parking lot was closed for several hours, but the crime scene was cleared in time for its scheduled opening Thursday morning.
"The scene is secured. There is no additional risk to the public," IHIT Tweeted Thursday morning.
IHIT is looking for dashcam footage or CCTV from the area around 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night.
Anyone with video or information is asked to call the IHIT Infoline at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.