SURREY RCMP announced on Tuesday that charges have been laid in relation to a shooting at a residence in the Newton Area.
On April 17, Surrey RCMP responded to a shooting in the 14800-block of 76 Avenue, that left one man injured. The victim was in a vehicle in the residential driveway.
Police said at the time that their initial investigation indicated that a white van was seen fleeing the scene. Surrey RCMP said that they would be working to determine if a subsequent vehicle fire found nearby at 147 Street and 69 Avenue was connected to the shooting investigation.
Following this incident, the Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit began an in-depth investigation into the shooting and identified 19-year-old Akoch Piot from Calgary, Alberta, as a suspect.
Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Investigators worked in coordination with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), Calgary Police Service, and Surrey RCMP Digital Field Technician Services to advance the investigation.
On July 12, BC Prosecution Service laid the following charges against Akoch Piot:
- Attempt murder;
- Arson;
- Discharge of a firearm; and
- Possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition.
Piot was taken into custody in Calgary on July 17 and the Surrey RCMP Serious Crime team facilitated his transfer back to British Columbia where he remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance.
“Violent crimes like shootings, that are often connected to gang or drug activity, are not bound by any regional or provincial boundaries,” said Media Relations Officer Cpl. Vanessa Munn. “We are grateful for the invaluable investigational support received from Alberta, both from ALERT and Calgary Police Service to advance this investigation.”
