IHIT: Hockey coach was 'unintended victim' of targeted Surrey shooting

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has confirmed that the Surrey hockey coach fatally shot last month was a victim of mistaken identity.

IHIT said that Paul Bennett, 47, was the “unintended victim of a targeting shooting.”

“He was truly an innocent victim with no associations to any form of criminality,” said IHIT.

On June 23rd at about 4pm, Paul Bennett was the unintended victim of a targeted shooting. He was truly an innocent victim with no associations to any form of criminality. Investigation remains very active and ongoing. #IHIT strongly encourages anyone w/ info to come forward. pic.twitter.com/CephdpjCOs

— IHIT (@HomicideTeam) July 19, 2018

Bennett was a local hockey coach and also worked as a nurse. On June 23, 2018, at 4 pm, Surrey RCMP received several calls of a shooting in the 18200 block of 67A Avenue.

When officers arrived on scene they found Bennett suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Today, IHIT also released a photo of silver, four-door Honda Civic that was seen leaving the area after the shooting.

RE: Homicide investigation of Paul Bennett. #IHIT would like to speak w/ anyone w/ info about a newer model silver 4-door Honda Civic seen leaving area after the shooting. pic.twitter.com/ahbFMMkApp

— IHIT (@HomicideTeam) July 19, 2018

Anyone with information about the vehicle or the shooting is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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