Faisal Qureshi says it was something he never heard before, but knew the unmistakable sound of gunshots outside his Surrey home.
“Five shots,” said Qureshi. “It was gunshots, so I knew something was happening.”
Surrey RCMP received reports of several shots being fired just before 8 p.m., Saturday, just metres from Kirkbride Elementary School on 92 Avenue. Police said one man was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries in what is believed to be a targeted hit.
People living in the area said this is the first time a shooting has taken place in what is described as a family-oriented neighbourhood.
“There’s families, there’s kids playing out here all the time, people walking their dogs,” said Yvonne Fort.
Khurrim Shahzad said his 11-year-old daughter was playing outside when she said she heard a firecracker.
“The kids are very scared when the found out it was actually a shooting,” said Shahzad. “It’s disappointing.”
The latest incident brings the total number of reported shootings in Surrey to 29, this year. Just days earlier, Surrey RCMP revealed the majority of shootings in 2016 are being caused by new players in a drug war.
“While we’re dealing with new situations and different people this year, the majority of this year’s incidents continue to involve those associated to the illegal drug trade,” said Sgt. Manny Mann.
The Newton Community Association says the fact Surrey is on pace to double the number of shootings seen in 2015 is “disturbing”.
“Now we’ve got another group allegedly shooting at each other,” said association spokesperson Doug Elford. “When are the RCMP going to get on top of all this?”
Some residents said they’ve been left with no choice but to curb their own behaviour to stay safe.
“We are trying to stay away, not walking the streets at night,” said Chote Lal, whose home was taped off by police on Saturday.
Yvonne Fort said she usually walks her dog at that time of night and was luckily held late at work.
“Maybe I’ll be selling my place to move,” she said.
NOTE: After this story was published, there was another shooting, bringing the total to 30 this year.
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