Urgent: South Surrey Home Hit Again in Extortion-Related Shooting

UPDATE: A home in the 17000-block of 32 Avenue in South Surrey has been struck by gunfire for the second time in a week, heightening concerns over a surge in extortion-related violence. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) confirmed that shots were fired at approximately 7:35 p.m. on November 12, 2023, just days after a similar incident on Saturday morning.

No injuries have been reported in the latest shooting, but authorities are alarmed by the pattern. “This is the second time this address has been targeted, and the incident is extortion-related,” stated Sgt. Tige Pollock of the SPS. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to determine potential links to other recent violent events in the area.

Just days earlier, police responded to gunfire at the same home around 8:40 a.m. on November 11. This incident is part of a troubling trend, with multiple shootings reported in South Surrey and nearby communities in recent weeks. On October 30, two men were arrested following a shots-fired incident believed to be related to extortion in the Panorama neighborhood.

The frequency of these violent events has drawn significant political attention. Brent Chapman, the Conservative MLA for Surrey South, expressed his frustration, stating, “Repeated shootings at the same Surrey home are unacceptable. Our community deserves safety now.” Similarly, Harman Bhangu, MLA for Langley-Abbotsford, criticized the local government, asserting that criminals feel emboldened amid a heavy police presence.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has ramped up efforts to combat this crisis, having removed three foreign nationals from Canada and initiated investigations into 78 others linked to extortion activities in British Columbia. This action is part of the B.C. Extortion Task Force, established in September to tackle the rise in threats and violence affecting businesses, particularly within the South Asian community.

The task force comprises 40 members from various law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP and the Surrey Police Service. Their coordinated efforts aim to share information and resources to effectively address the alarming rise in extortion-related crimes throughout the province.

Anyone with information regarding the latest shooting or the suspects involved is urged to contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and reference file number 25-62774 (SU). As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, grappling with the fear that these violent acts may continue.

Residents of South Surrey are increasingly concerned as these incidents raise questions about safety and security in their neighborhoods. The urgency for immediate action from law enforcement and government officials is palpable, as local leaders call for tougher measures to ensure public safety. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation.