Police in Metro Vancouver investigate spate of targeted shootings, homicides

Police in Metro Vancouver responded to a spate of violent incidents on Friday, including two homicides and shootings believed to be linked to the region's gang conflict.

RCMP say officers responded to a report of shots fired around 11:30 p.m. PT Friday and found evidence of a shooting at the scene, not far from Surrey Central SkyTrain station.

Shortly afterwards, a man arrived at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say they believe the shooting is linked to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.

There was also a shooting Thursday night in the12600 block of 72nd St. that resulted in a male victim sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

It is not confirmed if the shooting is gang-related. 

Homicide investigations in Surrey and Langley

On Friday morning, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called to the Newton area of Surrey.

Surrey RCMP said officers responded to a report of a person sleeping in an alleyway in the 13000 block of 64th Avenue around 7:45 a.m. PT. First responders determined the man was dead. 

IHIT spokesperson Det. Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi said at this stage investigators do not believe the death is linked to the gang conflict.

Police were also called to Langley on Friday night.

RCMP say at 8:50 p.m. PT, they found a man who appeared to be in medical distress at the Langley Highway Hotel near the 20400 block of 88 Ave.

The man had life-threatening injuries and died while being treated by the B.C. Ambulance Service. 

RCMP say foul play is suspected and the case has been turned over to IHIT. The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating. 

Dhesi said it is too early to determine if the case is linked to Lower Mainland gang conflict.

Anyone with information about either case is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Coquitlam RCMP investigate shooting

On Friday afternoon, RCMP in Coquitlam say a man was shot in the 1600-block of Chickadee Place shortly after 3:30 p.m. PT.

The victim is known to police and was sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to RCMP.

A short time later, a vehicle fire was discovered in the 2200-block of Hope St. in Port Moody that is believed to be connected to the shooting.

"This has the indications of being a targeted hit and connected to the Lower Mainland gang conflict," RCMP Staff Sgt. Paul Vadik said. 

RCMP also released photos of a second vehicle: a newer-model black Hyundai Sante Fe with the licence plate FL3 35K.

Anyone who sees the car is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. 

Anyone with dashcam video or information on the shooting is asked to contact Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.