SURREY RCMP in partnership with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) had last December issued a public warning due to an increased threat to public safety posed by Karnvir Singh Garcha, then 24, who was on Tuesday identified by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) as Sunday’s homicide victim in Coquitlam.

“[Garcha and another individual] have been informed by police of credible threats to their safety, but the threat doesn’t just place them at risk, it poses a risk to anyone who associates with them or anyone who is in proximity to them,” said Surrey RCMP’s Major Crime Team Lead, Inspector Bal Hansra, at the time.

“Due to their association with gang activity, the drug trade, and violent acts such as shootings, these individuals have put themselves, their families, and the community at risk.”

And Staff-Sgt. Lindsay Houghton of the CFSEU-BC said: “Despite the threats to their lives and the safety of others around them, these individuals have shown little regard for public safety in our communities.”

On Sunday, July 2 at approximately 9:19 p.m., Coquitlam RCMP were called to the 500-block of Foster Avenue for a report of a shooting. Frontline officers located Garcha suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers, along with members of the British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS), attempted life-saving measure, but Garcha succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators have learned that Garcha was dropped off at the scene minutes before the homicide.

“We are looking to speak with anyone who had contact with Mr. Garcha in the days leading up to the shooting, including the driver of the vehicle that dropped him off,” said IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti. “IHIT is working with its partners to canvass the area for witnesses and to collect CCTV.  Any witnesses or anyone with residential, commercial or dash-camera video, who has yet to speak with police, is asked to contact IHIT immediately.”

IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with Coquitlam RCMP, BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS).

IHIT is asking anyone who was driving in the 500-block of Foster Avenue, between North Road and Blue Mountain Street, between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. with dash-cam video, or anyone with information who has yet to speak with police, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.