Colin Hill, Surrey homeowner, shot dead during break-in

A Surrey homeowner trying to prevent a man from breaking into his family home was shot dead Sunday night and a 22-year-old man with an extensive criminal history was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene.

Police say Colin Hill, a 42-year-old real estate agent, got into an altercation with the suspect, who was armed with a gun, at his home at 165 Street and 64 Avenue shortly after 11:30 pm PT. The victim lived at the home with his wife, also a real estate agent, and their children. 

"We now have a widow and two children that don't have a father," says one neighbour Deborah Boyer. "This is just terrible."

Police said neighbours reported there was some kind of disagreement inside the home before the shots were fired.

Hill's neighbour Pam Prudil was in bed watching TV when she heard the gunshots ring out. 

"It was like five 'pop pop pop pop' sounds. I wasn't sure what it was. I thought it was fireworks and then I thought that sounds like gunshots," she said. 

Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy said he is angry at the pointless loss of life. 

"This was a tragic and truly senseless act that has no rationale. There's no question that these are the most painful moments that a family can endure." 

Police investigation ongoing

Police continued to investigate on Monday. From the street, one could see police tape and a bullet-riddled door. 

Police said the two men did not know each other. 

 "I would like to know what is the motive for the killing ... because that way we will be feeling more safe because it is not too far from us," said another neighbour Jessica Orba. 

The suspect fled the scene in what was later determined to be a stolen vehicle, police say.

Several hours later, Burnaby RCMP were called to an apartment around 2 a.m. at the 7300 block of Macpherson Avenue after a witness reported a male brandishing a gun attempting to break in. The suspect and vehicle matched the description of the suspect in the Surrey shooting. 

The suspect, who has not been named and has an extensive criminal history, according to police, is set to appear in Surrey Provincial Court Tuesday to face charges including second-degree murder.

Google Map: 165 Street and 64 Avenue, Surrey, B.C and 7300 block of Macpherson Avenue, Burnaby, B.C.

Condolences on social media

Those who knew Hill tweeted their condolences.