AI Generated Summary
- A 27-year-old Punjab-origin man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident in Surrey, Canada, as authorities intensify their crackdown on a growing wave of extortion-linked violence targeting the South Asian community.
- Police have also released a photograph of the accused publicly, stating that the move may help investigators gather more information about individuals and organised groups believed to be involved in violent extortion activities in the region.
- Saroye has been charged with discharging a firearm into a residence while being aware, or reckless as to whether, occupants were inside at the time of the shooting.
A 27-year-old Punjab-origin man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident in Surrey, Canada, as authorities intensify their crackdown on a growing wave of extortion-linked violence targeting the South Asian community.
The accused, identified as Jaskaran Saroye, was taken into custody by the Surrey Police Service (SPS) Extortion Response Team after officers carried out a search operation at a residence in Surrey. Police said the arrest followed an investigation into a shooting that occurred in the early hours of April 13.
According to investigators, gunshots were fired at an occupied house near the intersection of 94A Avenue and 127 Street shortly before 3 am. While the property suffered damage in the attack, no residents were injured.
In a statement, Surrey Police said investigators were able to trace a suspect vehicle linked to the shooting, which ultimately led to the arrest. The operation involved assistance from the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team along with several SPS units.
Saroye has been charged with discharging a firearm into a residence while being aware, or reckless as to whether, occupants were inside at the time of the shooting. Officials confirmed that he remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Calling the incident “an extremely serious offence,” SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski said shootings involving occupied homes represent a major danger to public safety and create fear within local communities.
Police have also released a photograph of the accused publicly, stating that the move may help investigators gather more information about individuals and organised groups believed to be involved in violent extortion activities in the region.
Surrey and neighbouring areas in British Columbia have witnessed a sharp rise in extortion-related crimes in recent years, with many incidents reportedly targeting members of the South Asian — particularly Indian — community. Authorities have linked several shootings, threats, and intimidation attempts to organised criminal networks operating across Canada.
