A candlelight vigil is being held for Bikramdeep Randhawa, a 29 year old corrections officer the victim of the Delta shooting that happened on May 1, Saturday afternoon in the Scottsdale Mall complex. He worked at Fraser Regional Correctional Centre in Maple Ridge.
According to Insp. Guy Leeson, head of Investigative Services for Delta Police, said based on the behaviour of the suspects, the incident is considered to be targeted, but the motive for the shooting is unknown.
“We’re looking at all possible aspects as to why this crime was committed,” said Leeson. “We will examine every potential motive thoroughly. Whether it was a case of mistaken identity, a matter related to his personal life or if there is a possibility the shooting was related to the victim’s occupation.”
Police also confirmed Sunday that a charred vehicle was found in Burnaby that was similar to a getaway vehicle seen in a bystander video from the crime scene was, in fact, related to the shooting.
The candlelight vigil will take place on Friday, May 7th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Walmart on 72nd and Scott Rd in Surrey. It will take place in the parking lot. If you wish to attend, please bring a mask and please practice physical distancing.
“We’re asking anyone who knew Mr. Randhawa, or who could have information related to why he was targeted in this manner, to please contact police at 604-946-4411, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477,” said Leeson.
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The victim in the May 1 shooting in North Delta has been identified as 29-year-old Bikramdeep Randhawa of Surrey. Randhawa was a popular provincial correctional officer. Mr. Randhawa was not known to police.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as they now start to deal with their loss,” says Inspector Guy Leeson, head of Investigative Services for Delta Police.
He says that based on the behaviour on May 1 of the suspects, the incident is considered to be targeted. However the motive for the shooting is not known.
“We’re looking at all possible aspects as to why this crime was committed,” says Insp. Leeson. “We will examine every potential motive thoroughly. Whether it was a case of mistaken identity, a matter related to his personal life or if there is a possibility the shooting was related to the victim’s occupation.” Mr. Randhawa was a provincial Corrections Officer.
“We’re asking anyone who knew Mr. Randhawa, or who could have information related to why he was targeted in this manner, to please contact police at 604-946-4411, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477,” says Insp. Leeson.
Police are also confirming that a suspect vehicle involved in this incident was discovered burned in Burnaby on May 1.
No arrests have been made in relation to the shooting and police are not releasing any information about the possible suspects in this matter.
Delta Police have been in communication with BC Corrections and other law enforcement partners about possible links to other incidents in Metro Vancouver, but at this point police are not able to determine whether this shooting can be linked to the gang conflict.
While the investigation continued last night quite a few drivers were unable to access their vehicles that were behind police crime scene tape.
“Our officers worked through the night on this investigation, securing evidence, and were able to significantly shrink the size of the crime scene shortly after 5 am, May 2. We want to thank those drivers for their patience and understanding. We are working hard to ensure we don’t miss even the smallest detail,” says Insp. Leeson.
The crime scene area near 72nd Ave and 120th St has been reduced. 72nd Ave is now open. Access to most cars caught in this crime scene is now available. Some cars remain behind crime scene tape and are not accessible. Thank you for your patience while we investigate.
— Delta Police (@deltapolice) May 2, 2021
The crime scene has now been released, and all vehicles may now be picked up by drivers.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.
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