Tragedy in Surrey: Two Teenagers Killed in Targeted Shooting
The city of Surrey is grappling with a heartbreaking tragedy after a targeted surrey shooting claimed the lives of two teenage boys late Sunday night. The incident has not only left two families in mourning but has ignited a heated political debate regarding public safety and police resource allocation in the Metro Vancouver area.
The Incident: A Night of Violence
At approximately 10:02 p.m. on Sunday, frontline officers from the Surrey Police Service responded to reports of gunfire in an underground parking lot located in the 7000 block of 133B Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered two males suffering from severe gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical assistance provided by officers and BC Emergency Health Services paramedics, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has since taken over the case. The victims, residents of Surrey aged 16 and 18, are believed to have been targeted as part of the ongoing and volatile B.C. gang conflict. While the specific motive remains under investigation, the brutality of the attack has sent shockwaves through the community.
Mayor Brenda Locke Raises Alarm Over Police Strategy
In the wake of this tragedy, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has voiced serious concerns regarding the current policing strategy. Locke is specifically questioning the decision by the chief of police to dismantle a specialized gang unit—a move she believes has left the city vulnerable.
“Surrey has always invested heavily in anti-gang messaging and fully staffed a specialist gang unit. This was recently discontinued by the chief of police,” Locke stated in a formal release.
The Mayor has officially written to Harley Chappell, chair of the Surrey Police Board, demanding an immediate review of the decision to redeploy these officers. Locke argues that these specialists are essential for combating extortion, targeted violence, and the overall influence of gangs in the region.
Ongoing Investigation and Evidence Search
The investigation is currently in its early stages. Shortly after the shooting, police recovered a burnt grey four-door sedan near 144 Street and 84 Avenue, which investigators believe was used by the suspects. No arrests have been made, and no suspect descriptions have been released to the public yet.
IHIT is calling on the public for assistance. They are specifically looking for:
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- Dashcam footage from the 7000 block of 133B Street.
- Witness accounts or video from the area of 144 Street and 84 Avenue.
- Timeframe: Between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on May 10.
How to Help
If you have any information that could assist the RCMP or IHIT, please contact the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Your anonymity can be protected if requested.
