Vancouver homicide victim identified as Harpreet Singh Dhaliwal, 31, of Abbotsford

VANCOUVER Police on Monday identified the victim of the year’s fifth homicide as Harpreet Singh Dhaliwal, 31, who was shot outside a Coal Harbour restaurant on Saturday night.

A media report claims that he was linked to the Brothers Keepers gang. That would mean that Lower Mainland police forces, including the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC) will be on the alert to try and prevent retaliation.

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“We continue to believe this incident was a targeted killing and that Dhaliwal was the intended victim,” said Sgt. Steve Addison. “While we don’t think there is an immediate risk to the public, it is always shocking and unnerving when gun violence takes place in such a busy, public place.

Police responded to several 9-1-1 calls for shots fired outside Cardero’s restaurant near Coal Harbour Quay and Cardero Street just after 8:30 p.m. on April 17.  The victim was pronounced dead on scene after attempts of resuscitation failed by Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire Rescue Service and BC Ambulance Service.

TV news footage on Saturday night showed a handgun lying on the ground at the scene of the shooting. There was also a distraught man who was prevented by officers from entering the crime scene. A media report later claimed that he was the victim’s brother, Barinder Dhaliwal, and that another brother, Meninder, was also in the area at the time.

No arrests have been made at this time.
Also, Vancouver Police clarified that there was a stabbing at West Hastings and Broughton near the shooting scene 15 minutes later. There was no evidence that the two incidents were connected. The stabbing victim was in serious condition.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tip line at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.