The Surrey Police Service (SPS) reported that a victim was hospitalized in critical condition following a shooting incident at a residence on Sunday, marking the first extortion-related injury in the city this year. The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. PT at a house located in the 13000 block of 103-A Avenue. According to Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, individuals in a vehicle fired shots at the house before fleeing the scene. Several occupants were inside the residence during the shooting, with a woman in her mid-20s sustaining a gunshot wound while asleep. Emergency responders provided critical care before she was taken to the hospital. Subsequently, her condition was upgraded to stable.
“This appears to be the initial injury linked to extortion-related gunfire incidents in 2025 so far,” stated Houghton. The SPS disclosed that there have been 56 reported cases of extortion and 31 associated shootings in the city this year. Extortion demands, predominantly targeting South Asian communities, are being made through letters, calls, texts, and social media platforms. Houghton condemned the violence, emphasizing the need to prevent further incidents and apprehend the culprits.
Surrey Chief Const. Norm Lipinski acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the recent extortion-related injury but highlighted ongoing police efforts to address the situation. Despite a previous surge in extortion cases, a downward trend is now being observed. Lipinski emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for such crimes, identifying it as a top priority for the Surrey Police Service.
No arrests or suspects have been announced in connection with the latest incident. However, the SPS has charged seven individuals in three separate cases previously. To aid law enforcement, Surrey has established an extortion tip line and a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions related to extortion cases. The city hopes that the substantial reward will encourage individuals to provide crucial information to authorities.
Premier David Eby expressed strong disapproval of the violence, highlighting collaborative efforts with law enforcement and government officials to address the escalating extortion cases in Surrey. Eby urged community members to continue sharing information and evidence with the police to combat the issue effectively.