RCMP warns target of Surrey shooting poses risk to public safety

Surrey RCMP says one of the victims of Tuesday’s targeted shooting in the Fraser Heights neighbourhood poses a risk to public safety.

According to police, Thomas Gabriel Saul, 35, from New Westminster, was one of two men who suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting that happened September 3 in the area near the 15900-block of 111 Avenue.

Thomas Gabriel Saul/ Surrey RCMP

Investigators say the shooting was connected to drug trafficking in the area.

Saul was also the target of another shooting in Burnaby that occurred on August 21.

He has been interviewed by investigators and “although his life is in danger, he has provided very limited information to police.”

RCMP believes he has “become a risk to public safety.”

Saul is known to police and has a history of being involved with drug trafficking in the Lower Mainland and outside BC.

See also:

• Two men suffer gunshot wounds in targeted Surrey shooting

“Gun violence in our community is perpetuated through the continued demand for illicit drugs,” said Cpl. Sturko, in a release.

“We will continue our enforcement efforts in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland with our policing partners, however we are appealing to the community to reduce the demand for illicit drugs, and to provide information which can assist us in our investigations.”

RCMP says the public may notice an increased police presence in the Fraser Heights neighbourhood as officers continue to canvass the area and collect evidence.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or go to www.solvecrime.ca.