SURREY — Arun Paul Singh Bains, Surrey's latest shooting victim, was not a criminal or a gangster.
That's what his grieving family wants the public to know. Among them is Surrey-Newton NDP MLA Harry Bains, Arun's uncle.
The MLA's office released a statement from the Bain's family late Tuesday afternoon:
"This is an extraordinarily painful time," it reads. "Arun was the heart of our family. We are still trying to accept the reality that our son, brother, cousin, and nephew is gone.
"Arun was not a criminal. He was not a gang member. He was loved by everyone who knew him. Arun was a fine young man who loved his family and had a bright future ahead of him. We want to send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent their good wishes to us and included us in their prayers.
"We also thank members of the media for respecting our privacy and allowing us to mourn Arun in peace. We are determined to support our community's efforts to end this violence and spare another family this pain. We strongly urge anyone with information about this incident or any criminal activity to contact the police immediately."
The 22-year-old Surrey man was killed Sunday in the 23rd shooting in Surrey and North Delta since the beginning of March. Bains was shot at about 3 a.m. Sunday, at 126th Street and 88th Avenue.
"Arun Bains is known to be associated to the people connected to the street level drug trade conflict," Sgt. Stephanie Ashton, spokeswoman for the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, said earlier this week.
Harry Bains could not be reached for comment.
Surrey RCMP Sgt. Dale Carr said investigators "now more than ever" need tips from those who have information about the shootings. "We need you to come forward with any little bit of information you may have before another young person in killed," he said.
"Our deep concern now is there may be a retaliation incident," Carr said. "We are appealing to those involved in this ongoing dispute to not take any more lives and to understand that this is more than gunplay, it's murder."
The IHIT tipline is 1-877-551-IHIT (4448).
Police are also investigating a shooting that happened at 11:15 p.m. this past Friday, near 65th Avenue and 121st Street after receiving 911 calls of multiple shots being fired and a dark sedan and newer grey import car leaving the scene.
Meantime, IHIT is investigating a suspicious sudden death at a residence in the 13800-block of Hansen Road in Whalley on Saturday.
"Upon arrival, officers learned a 57-year-old male had been found deceased by his roommates," Ashton said.
She said police arrest a man, interviewed him and released him without charges pending further investigation.
Police are asking anyone who heard a fight in the area, between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Friday, to contact IHIT.
"It is our belief the victim and suspect knew each other," Ashton said.
tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.com