Surrey RCMP issue warning about victim in two targeted shootings
Credit to Author: Stephanie Ip| Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2019 22:49:52 +0000
Police in Surrey are taking the unusual step of identifying a man who has been targeted in two separate shootings in recent weeks as a warning to the public.
Thomas Gabriel Saul, a 35-year-old New Westminster resident, was targeted in an Aug. 21 shooting in Burnaby, and again this week in a shooting on Tuesday in Surrey’s Fraser Heights area.
Investigators believe the shootings are linked to the local drug trade. RCMP say Saul has a history of being involved with drug trafficking in the Lower Mainland and outside of B.C.
“He has been spoken to by investigators and, although his life is in danger, he has provided very limited information to police,” read a police statement. “As such, Surrey RCMP believes that he has become a risk to public safety.”
Investigators are continue to investigate the shootings but caution the public about associating with Saul, and say any involvement with the drug trade comes with significant risk.
“Gun violence in our community is perpetuated through the continued demand for illicit drugs,” said Cpl. Elenore Sturko.
“We will continue our enforcement efforts in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland with our policing partners, however we are appealing to the community to reduce the demand for illicit drugs, and to provide information which can assist us in our investigations.”
Anyone with information about either shooting or Saul’s involvement is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.