Surrey man killed trying to stop an intruder

A 42-year old Surrey man was shot to death late Sunday as he tried to prevent an intruder from robbing his house.

The random attack in the 16500-block of 64th Avenue that left Colin Hill dead has Surrey’s top cop shaking his head.

“There is no question that these are the most painful moments that a family can endure. For the police, they are also the hardest.  And while we are confident that we have quickly taken the person responsible for this horrible crime off the streets, I am still angry at the pointless loss of life,” Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said in a release.

“This tragic event is not related to recent shooting conflict in our city, and I remind you that if you see something or someone suspicious to please call the police.”

Hill engaged the suspect who was allegedly attempting to break into his home, police said.

“An altercation ensued between Colin and the suspect and during the altercation Colin was shot,” Sgt. Stephanie Ashton, of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, said.

The suspect fled the scene in what was later determined to be a stolen vehicle.

“Emergency first responders attended, but sadly Mr. Hill was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Ashton said. “Though the investigation is in the early stages, it is believed that this homicide was random in nature.   Mr. Hill and the suspect were not known to each other.”

The 22-year-old suspect was arrested several hours later, just before 2 a.m. Monday, when Burnaby RCMP was called to an apartment in the 7300-block of Macpherson Avenue.

A witness reported a male brandishing a gun and attempting to break in. The suspect and vehicle description provided to Burnaby RCMP matched that of the one provided in relation to the Surrey homicide hours preceding, Ashton said.

“Surrey RCMP moved quickly to get information out to all Lower Mainland police departments,” she said. “As a result, Burnaby officers had the information they required in order to execute an arrest and keep the public safe from further harm by this individual.”

The suspect is a Surrey resident and has an extensive criminal record.  IHIT has obtained charge approval for 2nd Degree murder however the suspects name will not be released until he appears in court on July 14th, Ashton said.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation can call the IHIT tipline by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca .