Extortion suspect charged after Abbotsford shooting

A man has been charged after an alleged extortion attempt at an Abbotsford business.

A 22-year-old man has been charged following an extortion-related shooting at an Abbotsford business earlier this week, which police described as a “concerning public safety incident.”

Police were initially called to the business in the 31000 block of King Road just before 10:45 p.m. Wednesday night, and officers “confirmed that a shooting had taken place,” according to the Abbotsford Police Department. No one was injured.

A suspect was arrested that night after police tracked down his vehicle.

Gusewak Singh was officially charged with reckless discharge of a firearm on Thursday evening.

He remains in custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 23.

Abbotsford police released an image of the accused, saying the department determined it was in the public interest to do so.

“This image will help provide accurate information and may prompt additional witnesses, victims, or associates to come forward with relevant information surrounding Mr. Singh’s activities,” the department wrote in a statement Friday. “Public co-operation is vital in cases of extortion, and this step reflects our commitment to accountability and community safety.”

“This arrest, and the work continually being undertaken by the dedicated officers within AbbyPD, reinforces that public safety is our top priority. We will not relent in our efforts to protect our community from extortion, violence, and intimidation,” Deputy Chief Daniel Culbertson said, in the statement. “Working closely with our partners and the public, we will dedicate the necessary resources to bring those responsible for violence to justice.”

Police asked anyone with information to call the department’s extortion task force at 604-859-5225.