Police identify shooting victim
The man who was shot has been identified as Arundeep Cheema and police have now said that the victim was known to them. The home he was shot at was also known to police and they said they have attended to disturbances and issues at the home on a number of occasions.
Police also revealed today that Cheema was shot while sitting in the driver’s seat of his car in the driveway, though they did not say how many times he was shot. Neither have they revealed anything about any suspects they may or may not have in the case. It was the first murder of 2015 for the greater Vancouver metropolitan area.
Residents in the area said they heard what sounded like the popping of firecrackers going off and then a car drive quickly away. The home in which the shooting took place is in the 11800 block of 75A Avenue, North Delta.
Delta investigates murder
Delta Police Major Crimes and Forensic investigators have taken control of the investigation. On the day following the murder, Sgt. Sarah Swallow of the Delta police force said they had been to the home in the past for “various different incidents” but did not elaborate on how many times they’ve attended the home.
“We do believe this wasn’t a random incident and the person was targeted,” she said. She added that though they do not believe the neighbourhood is in any danger, they are concerned about criminals settling disputes with firearms and thereby endangering the public.
“There’s obviously the huge concern for the neighbours because bullets don’t stop,” she said. “They don’t drop to the ground if they don’t hit their intended target.”
