LANGLEY (Azat TV) – A 23-year-old man was killed late Monday in a targeted shooting outside a busy restaurant in Langley, B.C., prompting an active investigation by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). First responders and police officers rushed to the scene following emergency calls reporting gunfire.
According to the CBC, police responded to a call regarding shots fired outside a restaurant located in the 6000-block of 200 Street at approximately 9:45 p.m. PT on Monday. Additional local reporting from CityNews identified the location as being outside a Cactus Club in Langley. Upon arrival, emergency crews found a 23-year-old man suffering from severe medical distress. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Focus and Vehicle Fire
Sgt. Freda Fong with IHIT reported that while the exact motive remains under active investigation, the attack is believed to have been a targeted incident. Authorities revealed that the victim possessed a history involving drug charges in Manitoba, as well as prior interactions with police in British Columbia regarding gang and weapons associations, though he did not hold an official criminal record.
Shortly after the initial shooting, at approximately 10 p.m. PT, local law enforcement received reports of a vehicle fire near 232 Street and 75 Avenue. Homicide investigators subsequently recovered a burnt sedan at the location and are examining whether the burned vehicle is directly connected to the fatal shooting in Langley.
Public Safety Concerns and Stray Bullets
Law enforcement officials emphasized the grave danger posed to the general public during the late-night incident. Investigators confirmed that multiple vehicles parked in the restaurant lot sustained damage from stray bullets during the exchange of gunfire.
"We are very fortunate that nobody was injured inside the restaurant, it’s a stark reminder of when there’s gun violence in the community it could affect anybody — you and I could have been in the restaurant at that time," Sgt. Fong stated during a media briefing.
Witness Appeals and Next Steps
Investigators are urging members of the public who witnessed any suspicious activity, or who possess dashcam or security video footage recorded in the area between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, to immediately contact IHIT. The ongoing probe continues as forensic teams analyze evidence from both the restaurant parking lot and the recovered burnt sedan.