Urgent: Surrey Shooting and Port Moody Arson Linked to Extortion

UPDATE: An overnight shooting in Surrey and a suspected arson at a Port Moody barber shop are being investigated for possible links to a series of extortion-related attacks targeting local businesses. The incident occurred just before 4 a.m. in the 14300 block of 28th Avenue, prompting immediate police response.

Authorities confirm they received multiple calls about gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, officers located numerous casings on the road but reported no injuries to people or buildings. As of Friday afternoon, the scene showed little sign of the shooting, with only police cruisers patrolling the vicinity.

Sgt. Tige Pollock of the Surrey Police Service addressed the community’s concerns, stating, “Believe it or not, we are also frustrated. But these things do take time.” He reassured the public that they are actively working with safety partners, including a joint task force from E Division and a national task force, to identify those responsible for the ongoing extortion attempts.

The shooting coincides with a fire that devastated Manny’s Barber Shop and a mortgage business in Port Moody early Wednesday morning. Police are investigating the arson for potential connections to extortion, indicating a troubling pattern of violence against local businesses.

Video footage shared with news outlets, including CTV News, appears to show the fire’s intensity from inside the barber shop before the person filming fled the scene. Authorities believe there are community members who may possess vital information regarding these incidents and urge anyone with knowledge to come forward.

The urgent investigation highlights a growing concern in the Lower Mainland, where businesses have faced increasing threats linked to extortion. The police remain committed to resolving these cases, as the community grapples with fear and uncertainty.

As developments unfold, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The urgency of these investigations cannot be overstated, and the impact on local businesses is profound. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.