Mounties say recent gunfire and an attempted arson at a home in Surrey may be linked to an ongoing string of extortion events.
Officers were called to a home in the Port Kells area of 88 Avenue and 192 Street for reports of shots being fired just after 3 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. When they arrived, they found evidence of a shooting, as well as an attempted arson.
“Thankfully, there was only evidence that a small fire was ignited and it was extinguished pretty early on, which we are grateful for otherwise it could have caused more damage and, of course, posed a risk to the people that were inside the residence,” explained said Sgt. Tammy Lobb.
A day later, the RCMP says someone demanded money from a person associated with the home. This, investigators say, is “consistent with extortions targeting the South Asian community.”
“The Surrey RCMP believes that this incident may be linked to the extortion series,” said Lobb. “Thankfully no one was injured during this incident. The Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit has conduct of the investigation.”
It’s believed that these were targeted incidents, though Lobb could not confirm if the suspects and victims know each other.
Police are releasing images of two suspects wanted in connection with these incidents.
A photo of a vehicle believed to have been used during the crimes is also being shared. The Kia Rio 5 was determined to have been stolen from a business complex in Newton. Police say the car was found on Monday, Aug. 12.
Amid ongoing investigations, Mounties are encouraging members of the South Asian community who are being extorted to call police and report it.
“Do not give in to the demands and stop communicating immediately with the people who are contacting you,” Lobb said.
The Surrey RCMP is asking those who may have seen something in the area of 88 Avenue and 192 Street between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Aug. 10, as well as anyone else with information, to contact investigators at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2024-117785.
You can also reach Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.