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.
EARLIER STORY:
According to a release issued by Delta Police, they received reports of shots fired at 4:55 pm May 1 near a gas station at 72nd Ave and 120th Street.
Police responded immediately confirming the incident as a serious matter and located a male who had been shot.
“Right now the initial evidence is indicating that this was a targeted shooting,” says Inspector Guy Leeson, head of Investigative Services at Delta Police.
Witnesses report hearing 5-6 shots fired between 2 vehicles at the intersection of 72nd Ave and Scott Rd. Both Surrey RCMP and Delta police descened to the scene of the incident.
The parking lot at Scottsdale Centre in North Delta had been cordoned off with police tape.
Police had blocked entrances to Scottsdale Centre.
The area of 72nd Ave had also been blocked at Scott Rd to traffic by police.
“Officers have been interviewing witnesses in the area, and we are also in possession of video that appears to have been filmed immediately after the incident,” says Insp. Leeson. “However, anyone who hasn’t yet spoken to police, and was a witness, has dashcam or CCTV video, is asked to please call 604-946-4411.”
In the video posted to social media shows a man who appears to be wielding a gun getting into the back seat of a car.
Delta Police are not in a position to confirm the identity of the victim or comment on his medical condition.
“This shooting took place in a very public manner, and we are very much aware of the possible risk to innocent bystanders,” says Insp. Leeson. “Fortunately it doesn’t appear there was anyone else injured during this incident, but we ask those who might have any information to contact police.”
Shoppers inside the Walmart had been told that they cannot leave. About 100 plus vehicles were unaccessible.
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