Police in Surrey are investigating after gunfire erupted outside a business in Cloverdale on Thursday afternoon, leaving behind damage, unanswered questions, and heightened concerns about ongoing gang violence in the Lower Mainland.
The shooting happened shortly before 2:30 p.m. near 175 Street and 58 Avenue, an area normally busy with businesses and daytime traffic.
According to the Surrey Police Service, officers responded to multiple reports of shots being fired and quickly secured the scene.
When police arrived, they discovered that at least one business had been struck by bullets. No injuries were reported, despite the incident taking place during the afternoon when nearby businesses were operating.
Photos from the scene showed a heavy police presence surrounding Cool Whipz Auto Spa, where yellow police tape blocked off access while investigators searched for evidence.
Officers from the Integrated Forensic Identification Services unit were also seen collecting physical and digital evidence throughout the area.
Authorities later confirmed that roads around 58 Avenue and 175 Street were temporarily shut down while investigators processed the scene.
Vehicle Fire Investigated for Possible Connection
Roughly 20 minutes after the shooting, police were called to a vehicle fire near 20 Avenue and 174 Street, only a short distance away from the original incident.
Investigators are now examining whether the burning vehicle was connected to the shooting. While officials have not publicly confirmed any suspects or arrests, the timing and proximity of the two incidents immediately raised suspicions of a possible link.
The Surrey Police Service says the motive remains under investigation. However, investigators stated the shooting is not currently believed to be connected to recent extortion-related incidents that have affected businesses across British Columbia.
Reports from local media identified Jaswinder Basi, a full patch member of the Hells Angels Nomads chapter in Ontario, as the apparent target of the attack. Sources indicated Basi was not injured during the shooting.
Basi was previously associated with the Haney chapter of the Hells Angels in British Columbia before reportedly joining the Ontario Nomads chapter in 2024.
Court records also show he was convicted last year in Surrey on an uttering threats charge and received a one-year probation sentence.
Police have not officially confirmed the identity of any intended target, and the investigation remains active.
The shooting adds to a growing list of violent incidents tied to gang tensions in Surrey and other parts of Metro Vancouver. Several recent shootings and homicides have been linked to ongoing conflicts involving organized crime groups operating in the region.
Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or who may have dashcam or surveillance footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact Surrey Police. Authorities referenced file number 26-50217 in connection with the case.
As officers continue piecing together what happened, residents and business owners in Cloverdale are once again left shaken by another daytime shooting in a public area.
