Police in White Rock believe shots fired at home were part of extortion attempt

The White Rock RCMP detachment is seen in this photo from the BC RCMP website.

Police in White Rock say they believe a “drive-by shooting” that occurred in the city early Wednesday morning is an attempted extortion similar to the ones that have been plaguing neighbouring Surrey.

Officers received “a delayed report” of shots fired at a residence in the 15500 block of Pacific Avenue Wednesday, White Rock RCMP said in a news release Friday.

When they arrived, police located “evidence consistent with a shooting,” according to the detachment. No injuries were reported.

Investigators determined that the shooting occurred between 3:15 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, police said, adding that they continue to look for video surveillance and witnesses to the incident.

“Based on initial information, this is believed to be a targeted incident related to extortion,” the release reads.

“White Rock RCMP is liaising with investigators from the Lower Mainland Joint Force Operation (JFO) as well as the RCMP National Co-ordination and Support Team, to determine if there is any nexus to other ongoing investigations.”

Those other investigations include dozens of incidents in Surrey, primarily targeting South Asian businesses.

Some owners have received chilling phone calls demanding they pay exorbitant sums, then been threatened with gun violence or arson.

The RCMP announced the arrests of two suspects last month.

The extortion incidents, which began in 2023, have prompted the creation of local and national police task forces, changes to the way Crime Stoppers accepts tips and calls for the federal government to designate an Indian gang as a terrorist organization.

Anyone who witnessed the White Rock incident or has video from the area is asked to call White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Andrew Weichel