Shooting Erupts in Quiet Surrey Neighbourhood
Residents of a rural area in Surrey were shaken on Saturday morning as gunshots targeted a residence located in the 17000 block of 32nd Avenue. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded to the call and discovered damage to the exterior of the building consistent with a shooting. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported in this incident.
As part of the investigation, a significant stretch of road was closed to the public. 32nd Avenue between 168th Street and 172nd Street remained shut down while police collected evidence and canvassed the area. The RCMP's General Investigation Unit (GIU) has now taken charge of the case, stating that they have not yet established any connections to other recent shootings in the region.
Vancouver Police Renew Plea in Strathcona Homicide
In a separate and ongoing investigation, the Vancouver Police Department has issued a new public appeal for information regarding the homicide of a 48-year-old man. The victim, publicly identified as Norman Labonte, was found with a gunshot wound near Main and Union streets just after 7 a.m. on September 30, which was the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Labonte succumbed to his injuries. To date, no charges have been laid in connection with his death. Police believe that people walking or driving in the Strathcona area at the time of the early morning shooting may hold crucial information.
"There were people walking and driving in the area when this shooting occurred who may have seen or heard something important," said Const. Tania Visintin. "Even the smallest piece of information could help detectives move this investigation forward."
Context and Ongoing Crime Concerns
The shooting in Surrey occurred in a tree-lined residential area characterized by homes set back from the road behind hedgerows and trees, alongside several farms. This incident adds to a concerning pattern of gun violence in Surrey, which has recently included a rash of extortion-related shootings targeting South Asian businesses.
In another recent act of gunfire, the facade of White Rock Gymnastics was riddled with bullets. These events have heightened concerns about public safety and organized crime in the region.
How to Assist the Investigations:
- For the Surrey shooting (file 25-61960), contact Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502 with any information, CCTV, or dashcam footage.
- For the Vancouver homicide, call the VPD homicide unit at 604-717-2500 with any information or relevant dashcam footage from the area on September 30.
