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Charges change in ‘targeted’ South Surrey shooting case

Accused makes court appearance this week
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The public was advised to stay away from the south end of Pacific Highway, just blocks from the U.S. border, on the evening of June 3, after a man was shot. (File photo)

A senior charged with aggravated assault and “discharge a firearm with intent to wound, maim or disfigure” in connection with what police described as a targeted shooting June 3 in South Surrey made a brief appearance in Surrey Provincial Court Wednesday.

Little was said at the proceedings for 70-year-old Kenneth Albert Turpin – who appeared dressed in jeans, a bomber jacket and garden clogs.

Judge James Sutherland adjourned the case until July 5.

Turpin was charged after police responded to a report of a shooting in the 1300-block of 176 Street around 7:15 p.m. June 3. Officers found one man with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident led police to shut down 176 Street between 8 and 16 Avenues and warn the public to “stay out of the area.” A police negotiator was brought in, and a suspect was taken into custody shortly before midnight.

Cpl. Scotty Schumann told Peace Arch News two days later that the incident was “a dispute that occurred between two guys who were known to each other,” and that the suspect “was still on scene” when police arrived.

“So we cordoned off the area and it played out from there.”

According to court documents online, Turpin was initially charged with “attempt murder weapon/criminal organization.”

A BC Prosecution Service spokesman said the lesser charges likely “reflect the application of the Crown charge assessment standard,” but that would have to be confirmed by the prosecutor. The spokesman was unable to confirm by PAN press time Thursday.

Outside court Wednesday, Turpin – who the court heard was released from custody June 7 – declined to comment, but said he would give “a full interview” after the matter had gone through the court process.



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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