Surrey police probe alleged return fire after extortion-linked shooting at home

Police in Surrey, B.C., are investigating reports that residents of a home targeted in an extortion-related shooting may have returned fire, as authorities grapple with a growing number of similar incidents across the city.

The Surrey Police Service said officers responded to reports of shots fired outside a residence in the 8600 block of Galway Crescent, in the Bear Creek neighbourhood, at around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday. No injuries were reported.

Police confirmed on Monday that investigators are examining allegations that people inside the targeted residence fired shots back at those responsible for the attack.

A police spokesperson stressed that officers do not support people taking matters into their own hands and warned of the serious risks involved.

“In the worst-case scenario, someone may believe they’re defending themselves, but they could end up seriously injuring or killing an innocent person,” the spokesperson said, adding that police are also investigating the possible careless use of a firearm.

Another suspected extortion-related shooting was reported early Monday morning at a business near the intersection of 193rd Street and Langley Bypass in Cloverdale. Police say the business was shot at sometime overnight, but no one was hurt.

According to police, Surrey has recorded 34 extortion reports in just the first 19 days of the year, underscoring what officers describe as a deeply concerning trend.

“I don’t think anyone expected these cases to stop just because the calendar changed,” the spokesperson said. “It’s clear this activity is continuing — not just in Surrey, but across the Lower Mainland and elsewhere in Canada.”

The province-wide spike in extortion has largely targeted members of B.C.’s South Asian business community. Authorities have established a dedicated tip line and reward program in an effort to encourage witnesses and victims to come forward with information.

In 2025, Surrey recorded 132 extortion attempts, 49 of which involved gunfire, police say. While seven extortion-related shootings have already been confirmed in 2026, none have resulted in fatalities so far.

Police continue to urge anyone with information related to extortion or related violence to contact investigators rather than attempting to defend themselves.