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‘We haven’t seen gang violence like this in 10 years’: VPD chief on Vancouver shooting

Click to play video: 'Family of innocent teen victim of gang shooting speaks out'
Family of innocent teen victim of gang shooting speaks out
WATCH: The family of 15-year-old Alfred Wong, who was killed by a stray bullet from a gangland shooting in Vancouver, is speaking out about their sudden, shocking family tragedy. Rumina Daya has the story, and the latest on the police investigation – Jan 22, 2018

Vancouver Chief Const. Adam Palmer said the recent shooting in Vancouver that took the life of a 15-year-old bystander is part of a significant cycle of of gang-related violence in the city.

“We haven’t seen gang violence like this in probably  the last 10 years,” Palmer said.

WATCH: Chief Const. with update on murder of Alfred Wong 

Click to play video: 'VPD chief on investigation into senseless death of Alfred Wong'
VPD chief on investigation into senseless death of Alfred Wong

“The last big wave was when the whole Bacon Brother-Red Scorpion thing was happening.”

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Alfred Wong was passing by Broadway and Ontario Street in a vehicle just after 9 p.m. on Jan. 13 when he was struck by gunfire.

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A second person, 23-year-old Kevin Whiteside of Vancouver, also died in the shooting. Police believe his shooting was targeted.

WATCH: Brother of 15-year-old innocent bystander gives emotional statement

Click to play video: 'Brother of 15 year old innocent bystander gives emotional statement'
Brother of 15 year old innocent bystander gives emotional statement

No arrests have been made in connection with the deaths.

Palmer said the shooting appears to be linked to an increase in gang violence in the city.

“We definitely have groups that are at odds with each other and they’re going out and killing each other.”

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On Monday, Wilfred Wong announced that two scholarships had been set up in his younger brother’s honour. One scholarship was set up by the Coquitlam School District and the other by the Hyack Swim Club.

A funeral for Wong is planned for Saturday.

WATCH: Who was Coquitlam teen Alfred Wong?

Click to play video: 'Who was Coquitlam teen Alfred Wong?'
Who was Coquitlam teen Alfred Wong?

Palmer said significant progress has been made in the investigation but urged anyone with information on the murders of Wong and Whiteside to contact Vancouver Police, adding that no detail is too small.

“We have good evidence so far but we need more,” Palmer said.

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