By GLENDA LUYMES
Two young men are dead after a shooting Friday evening in Surrey.
Police were called to 159th Street and 110th Avenue just before 7:30 p.m. and found 19-year-old Ashim Raza and 24-year-old Vikram Toor suffering from gunshot wounds. One of them was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital, where he later died.
According to a homicide team press release, investigators believe the shooting was independent from the gangland violence that has rocked the Lower Mainland in recent weeks.
Two men were shot while inside a car near the intersection of 159 St. and 110 Ave. on Friday night in Surrey.
“It is early in the investigation, but police are making every effort to establish the motive for the shooting,” said Cpl. Meghan Foster. “We ask that the public exercise vigilance, while we work to find justice for our victims and their families.”
The shooting happened in Fraser Heights, a quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood north of Highway 1, near an elementary school, playground and sports fields.
Photos from the scene show what appears to be a body covered by a yellow tarp hanging out of a vehicle with a window blown out. A box of firecrackers appears to be resting beside the car.
The homicide happened hours after the province’s public safety minister Mike Morris made a statement reassuring the public that police are working tirelessly to try to put an end to a recent string of gang-related violence.
Police have linked two killings and several shootings this month to gang involvement.
There have been 56 shootings in Surrey so far this year.