The Surrey Police Service (SPS) says charges have been approved in connection with a shooting in the Newton area on Jan. 1.
Police responded to reports of shots fired in the area of 140B Street and 59th Avenue shortly after 11:30 p.m.
“SPS members arrived on scene and located an injured male who was transported to hospital with an apparent gunshot wound,” Sgt. Tige Pollock told 1130 NewsRadio.
“That individual was reported to be in stable condition.”
A second man was arrested at the scene.
Police say 49-year-old Chanchal Badwal has been charged with several offences, including attempted murder, discharge of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm.
Pollock says Badwal had been out on release when the incident happened.
“Obviously, we don’t want people to breach their release order, but you know, people are innocent until proven guilty, so they do have a right to get bail in many instances,” he said.
“And, fortunately for us, this individual has been arrested, and he is still in custody pending his next court appearance. So right now, the community doesn’t have to fear any further violence from this gentleman.”
Pollock says the SPS has a number of officers who regularly conduct bail checks on known offenders.
“We’ve got our prolific offender team who focuses specifically on offenders who are prolific in the community, have obviously committed numerous offences, and been convicted of numerous offences,” he said.
“We do have officers dedicated to checking on people who are on bail for serious offences, so that’s how we, as the Surrey Police Service, sort of combat people breaching their bail.”
The victim was taken to hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. Police say he is in stable condition.
Badwal is expected to appear in court Feb. 6.
