The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) says an 85-year-old Burnaby man was killed after he was struck by what investigators believe was a stray bullet.

Burnaby RCMP responded to reports of shots fired near 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 30. Police say the suspect vehicle had already left the area by the time officers arrived.

Mounties searched for any victims but were unable to locate anyone connected to the shooting.

Later that day, at approximately 4 p.m., Burnaby RCMP were asked to conduct a welfare check at an apartment building on Kingsway near Britton Street, about a block from where the shots-fired call had been reported.

When officers entered the apartment, they found 85-year-old Chang Yong Cho dead from a gunshot wound.

Investigators believe Cho was an innocent victim who was struck by a stray bullet while inside his home.

IHIT has released Cho’s name and photograph in an effort to advance the investigation.

“This is a heartbreaking and tragic loss of life. Mr. Cho was simply in his home when his life was suddenly taken, leaving behind a grieving family and loved ones,” said Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT.

“Our investigators have identified a group of youths believed to be involved or have knowledge of the shooting, and we have been actively working to locate them to establish the roles of everyone involved. We are urging these youths to come forward and speak with investigators.

“We are also appealing directly to their parents: if you know your child has information about this shooting, please encourage them to do the right thing and come forward. The Cho family deserves answers.”

IHIT is asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area of 18th Avenue and Humphries Avenue between 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Aug. 30 to contact investigators.