Homicide police are investigating a sudden death in South Surrey at a house that was the scene of a front-yard brawl earlier this year.
"Although we are in the initial stages of the investigation, we can state at this time, this was a targeted home invasion," said Sgt. Adam MacIntosh, of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
MacIntosh said no one has been charged, but that police are interviewing people "currently in custody."
At about 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, BC Ambulance and the Surrey Fire Department were called to a residence in the 2600-block of King George Boulevard to assist with an injured man in his 40s.
Upon arrival, they determined that the circumstances of this person's injury were suspicious and called the Surrey RCMP.
The injured man was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
IHIT has assumed conduct of the investigation, in conjunction with the Surrey RCMP.
At the scene Sunday morning, MacIntosh said the man was known to them and that drugs are being looked at as a possible motive.
"This was not something random," he said shortly before noon. "Surrey RCMP have been here before and are familiar with our deceased male.
"There are some people that are currently in custody that we are speaking with."
Police are seeking to notify the victim's next of kin before naming him.
On Sept. 1, a man and a woman were taken to hospital after a fight broke out outside the home. RCMP said the earlier incident was not a drug case "but more of potentially an assault or weapons-related investigation." The situation closed King George Boulevard for several hours, and several people were taken into custody.
Emergency crews returned Sept. 20, when a number of RCMP vehicles and an ambulance were parked in front of the house. A passerby – who said she lived nearby – said one man was escorted from the house and was placed on stretcher and loaded into the ambulance.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact the IHIT tip line by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip on their website at Solvecrime.ca
It brings to 21 the number of killings in Surrey this year (see below), a match for the all-time record, police confirm.
Coun. Barinder Rasode said more has to be done to stop the bloodshed, suggesting that could include adding more police officers to the Surrey RCMP detachment.
Rasode also recommends getting tougher on sentencing for people involved in a serious violent crime.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact the IHIT tip line by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip on their website at Solvecrime.ca
– with files from Kevin Diakiw
(TOP PHOTO: Investigators enter home, Shane MacKichan photo. INSET PHOTOS: Police use dog team to investigate surrounding area Sunday morning; Sgt. Adam MacIntosh holds news conference, Tracy Holmes photos)