Surrey RCMP are warning the public to stay away from five individuals — two from Coquitlam — who have been the targets of several recent shootings in the Lower Mainland.
None of the men are cooperating with police and Mounties believe they have become a risk to public safety. Manbir Singh Grewal, 28, and Ibrahim Amjed Ibrahim, 29, both of Coquitlam are included on the list, along with Karman Singh Grewal, 25, of Vancouver, and Surrey residents Indervir Singh Johan, 23, and Harmeet Singh Sanghera, 23.
"Each of these individuals has refused to provide information to police on these violent incidents," said Surrey RCMP Officer in Charge and Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald in a press release. "At this point, we must assume that these men continue to be targets and, as such, we are advising the public to be cautious of any interaction with these five individuals."
Shootings have occurred in a number of Lower Mainland communities in the last few months, with Surrey being particularly hard hit. While the overall number of incidents is down 47% from this time last year, there were six incidents in the month of July and 27 since the beginning of 2017.
Police believe the violence is rooted in the region's drug trade and said the investigations are particularly difficult given the reticence of victims to cooperate with police.
"I hear all your concerns and I share your frustration," McDonald added. "However, I do want you to know that we are making headway and we are aware of a number of people who are involved. As a result, our number of shots fired and our violent crime overall have been declining, but we need to keep the pressure on to ensure this recent uptick doesn't continue."
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
RECENT SHOOTING TARGETS
Manbir Singh Grewal, 28, from Coquitlam
Ibrahim Amjed Ibrahim, 29, from Coquitlam
Karman Singh Grewal, 25, from Vancouver
Indervir Singh Johan, 23, from Surrey
Harmeet Singh Sanghera, 23, from Surrey
