A shots fired and attempted arson incident in Port Kells is being linked to a series of extortion letters targeting South Asian businesses for months.
On Saturday (Aug. 10) just after 3 a.m., Surrey RCMP responded to reports of gunshot fire in a residential area of 88 Avenue and 192 Street in Surrey. While on scene, police gathered evidence that indicated a shooting and also an arson attempt, Surrey RCMP state.
“Thankfully no one was injured during this incident,” Surrey RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Tammy Lobb said in a release.
“The Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit has conduct of the investigation and in order to advance the investigation, we are releasing a photo of the two suspects we believe are involved as well as a photo of the vehicle they allegedly used in commission of the offence."
On Sunday, the following day, someone living in the residence that was targeted with the gunfire received a demand for money, police shared, adding the extortion attempt is consistent with those that have been affecting people in the South Asian community since last year.
Police believe the shots fired are related to the series of extortions that have taken place.
The suspect vehicle is described as a Kia Rio 5 that was recovered by Surrey RCMP on Monday (Aug. 12) from a business complex in Newton, where police say it was initially stolen from.
Anyone with information on the incident, the suspect vehicle or possible witnesses in the area between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Saturday are encouraged to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 2024-117785.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-8477 or online at solvecrime.ca
