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Police decline to confirm report that Langley shooting victim was warned of threat
Vancouver Police Department would not confirm or deny a report that a man killed in a Langley shooting had received a warning about a threat to his life months earlier. The 23-year-old was shot on Oct. 5 beside a restaurant; investigators are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.
Vancouver Police Department declined to confirm or deny a published report that a man killed in a Langley shooting had been warned about a threat to his life several months earlier. In response to a Langley Advance Times query, VPD media relations officer Darren Wong pointed to an earlier Vancouver Police Department statement that declined to say whether a duty to warn (DTW) notification had been issued to the man.
Police agencies issue DTW advisories when they identify someone as the target of a credible threat to their life or safety. After assessing the risk, police contact the potential victim directly to provide a safety warning.
The 23-year-old was shot on Oct. 5 in a parking lot beside the Cactus Club restaurant near 200 St. and the Langley Bypass. Police said stray bullets struck several cars and the building, and some entered the restaurant.
Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom said officers were called about shots fired and found a victim in medical distress. “Despite life-saving efforts, the individual succumbed to their injuries at the scene,” Sharoom said.
Shortly afterward, RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle fire near 232 St. and 75 Ave. Officers recovered a burned sedan believed to have been used in the shooting.
Integrated Homicide Investigation Team Sgt. Freda Fong said investigators knew the victim’s identity. He had a police history linked to drug and weapons offences and was known to be gang-affiliated, Fong said. The man was also facing drug-related criminal charges in Manitoba.
“We’re very fortunate that nobody was injured inside the restaurant,” Fong said, calling the shooting a stark reminder that gun violence in the community can affect anyone.
IHIT is seeking witnesses and dashcam video from anyone who was near either scene between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. Anyone with further information who has not already spoken to police can call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.