Harpreet Singh Chahal (Happy), originally from Barnala Punjab, is the latest Indo-Canadian to be killed in BC gang violence that has claimed more than 150 young men.
ABBOTSFORD – A 25 year old man from Abbotsford who has been identified as Harpreet Singh Chahal (Happy) is dead after being gunned down on Sunday.
Originally from Barnala Punjab, Chahal is the latest Indo-Canadian to be killed in BC gang violence that has claimed more than 150 young men.
He being described as a close associate of gangster Jujhar Khunkhun, the notorious gangster who himself has survived a number of attempts on his life.
Abbotsford police say Chahal was gunned down in broad daylight shooting near West Oaks Shopping Centre Sunday afternoon.
Officers were alerted to shots fired at around 5:15 p.m. near the intersection of South Fraser Way and Emerson Street.
Officers arrived on scene to find Chahal seriously injured and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Const. Ian MacDonald.
The man was taken to hospital and later died from his injuries.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT)has taken over the investigation, MacDonald said.
IHIT confirmed Monday that Chahal was known to police, and the daylight shooting is considered targeted and gang-related.
Witnesses told police they saw shots fired from a suspect vehicle into a black Mercedes on South Fraser Way and Emerson Street at around 5:15 p.m.
“This shooting occurred in a very public place where innocent people could have easily become victims. We are urging anyone with information to come forward,” Sgt. Jennifer Pound said in a statement.
Officers found Chahal unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the Mercedes shortly after.
The victim was pronounced dead in hospital, despite attempts to revive him.
Investigators believe there were other people in the car with Chahal who fled the scene when gunfire broke out, and are trying to identify them.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 if they wish to remain anonymous.
