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Man shot by Surrey police will be ‘deeply missed’

Friends reminisce about Adam Purdie.
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Adam Purdie

The man shot and killed by police last week is being remembered as a good friend who helped a lot of people recover from alcohol and drug abuse, his friends say.

A group on Facebook is recalling fonder moments with Adam Purdie, the 28-year-old killed by Surrey RCMP at Highway 10 and King George Boulevard on the evening of March 2.

“Adam and I haven’t talked that much over the last couple years just friendly conversations in passing but I do know that he helped a lot of people in the NA (Narcotics Anonymous) community out,” said friend Teresa. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends. May your soul be at peace Adam.

Friend Brittany had similar memories.

“So sad that Adam is gone... he was a friend of my family and a genuinely nice guy who helped a lot of people get and stay clean,” she said. “He will be deeply missed. RIP Adam.”

Purdie was first pulled over in the 15400 block of 16 Avenue last Wednesday, just after 11 p.m. when  Surrey RCMP noticed a firearm in the back seat.

Purdie sped away, causing a brief pursuit.

Police laid down a spike belt at Highway 10 and King George Boulevard, which disabled the car. Purdie collided with another vehicle, and then was rammed by a police cruiser.

Despite early reports that Purdie shot his weapon, the Saanich Police Department, which is investigating the incident, said it cannot confirm if Purdie’s gun was fired.

Saanich Police Sgt. Dean Jantzen said a modified assault rifle was found in Purdie’s lap, with the barrel pointed toward the Surrey RCMP officer who shot him. That officer has six years service with the Mounties.

Purdie had previously been charged with attempted murder using a firearm, assaulting a police officer, breaking and entering with intent and possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition. Those charges stem from an incident in Ladner in 2003.

Purdie testified that he pointed a gun at his girlfriend to scare her and her new love interest, and he hoped the police would come and kill him.

The prosecution disputed that, saying the only reason his girlfriend and her new partner were alive is because Purdie’s gun jammed.

Purdie was acquitted of attempted murder and was sentenced for assaulting a police officer, breaking and entering, pointing a firearm and possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to four years.

Purdie had been working at Coquitlam Chrysler and had previously been a bouncer in Surrey and Richmond.

Saanich Police will continue to investigate this incident.

kdiakiw@surreyleader.com