Homicide team called to investigate shooting in South Surrey
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called to a home in South Surrey after a shooting that sent a victim to hospital with critical injuries early Wednesday morning.
Witnesses say the shots rang out at a detached house on 24 Avenue and 152A Street around 1:30 a.m.
“I heard one gunshot go off and then a couple minutes later, I heard a girl scream,” said neighbour Wendy Poustie.
“Five minutes after that, I just saw a car coming from there, zooming up here real fast,” she recalled.
Surrey RCMP said officers responded to the shots and found a 33-year-old man injured. He is not expected to survive "due to the serious nature of his injuries," Cpl. Vanessa Munn said in a news release.
A man who lives inside the home told CTV News he’s one of four tenants who rents a bedroom there.
He says he was woken up to the sounds of two gunshots.
When he entered the common area of the home he said a woman was ducking for cover and screaming for someone to call 911.
He didn’t see the victim, but believes it was one of his roommates.
“Based on initial information this does not appear to be a random act,” wrote Munn.
One detached house was put behind police tape and several RCMP cruisers were parked outside the property.
“Police are currently in the evidence gathering phase, no further information will be provided at this time,” wrote Munn.
Neighbourhood resident Tamara Peppar told CTV News she heard a gunshot, though she didn’t know what it was at the time.
"It makes me scared," Peppar said.
Surrey has seen a troubling spike in gun violence, with 28 reports of shots fired this year and three confirmed deadly shootings, including one less than a week ago.
“Any time we see an increase in any kind of violence, whether it be gun violence or otherwise, it is extremely concerning,” Munn said. “Police are continuing targeting those individuals who take in drug and gang violence and activity.”
She said there has been an increase in the demand for illicit drugs, and an increase in the number of drug-related deaths.
“Generally speaking, violence accompanies all levels of the drug trade,” the officer explained.
Munn also said that spikes in gun violence can come at different times of the year. She said in 2021, Surrey saw spikes later in the year.
Police have not established a motive in the most recent shooting, but some people living in the area have concerns.
“Nobody likes having it close to home, especially when you have a little one with you. But what do you do?” said one neighbour, who did not want to be identified.
Another neighbour, Christian Flores, said the incident has him questioning his family’s safety.
“Is it still a safe place?” he asked.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.