Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke is raising concerns about the decision to dismantle a specialized police gang unit as the city faces ongoing gun violence, including a double homicide that left two teenage boys dead late Sunday.
“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 said in a statement Monday.
She said it is critical that Surrey Police Service has the right plan in place to combat gang violence, particularly at a time when the city is experiencing heightened levels of gang-related incidents.
Locke said she has written to Surrey Police Board chair Harley Chappell calling for an immediate review of the decision to redeploy members of the gang unit, adding those officers play a key role in addressing gangs, extortion and targeted violence.
The comments come after the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took over an investigation into a shooting in an underground parking lot in the 7000 block of 133B Street at about 10:02 p.m. on Sunday.
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Surrey Police Service frontline officers said they responded to reports of gunfire and found two males suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers provided medical assistance until BC Emergency Health Services paramedics arrived, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
IHIT said the victims, both Surrey residents, were 18 and 16 years old.
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and linked to the B.C. gang conflict, though the motive remains under investigation.
Shortly after the shooting, a vehicle fire was reported near 144 Street and 84 Avenue. Police said a burnt grey four-door sedan believed to be involved in the homicide was recovered, and investigators are working to identify the occupants who fled.
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IHIT said the case remains in its early stages, with no arrests made and no suspect information released. The team is working with Surrey police, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service to advance the investigation.
“This shooting has left two families grieving the loss of young lives taken far too soon,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “Extensive work is underway as investigators pursue all available leads to identify and hold those responsible accountable.”
Locke said residents deserve clear answers and a concrete plan to stop gun violence and ensure safety in their communities.
IHIT is asking anyone with information or dashcam footage from the 7000 block of 133B Street or the area of 144 Street and 84 Avenue between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on May 10 to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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