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Two men wanted on attempted murder charges

Shakiel Singh Basra and Amarpreet Samra, accused of shooting man near Surrey elementary school, remain at-large.
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Amarpreet Samra (left) and Shakiel Singh Basra

Police have identified two men believed responsible for a brazen mid-day shooting in Surrey earlier this month that saw a hail of bullets hit a car, residences and an elementary school.

Charges have now been laid against Amarpreet Samra, 21, from Richmond, and Delta's Shakiel Singh Basra, 21.

They are believed to have been involved in a shooting on Sept. 15 in the 7600-block of 124 Street that put one man in hospital and resulted in bullets striking Strawberry Hill Elementary School and a nearby home.

The suspects are each charged with attempt to commit murder and intentionally discharging a firearm.

They are still at-large and have connections in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan, police said at a press conference Friday.

Police are looking for a grey Jeep with a Saskatchewan licencse plate number 685 JUD.

The charges are being described as a significant development in the ongoing drug turf war between a group of Indo-Canadians and a group of Somalians.

While it's an encouraging development, Surrey's top cop says its far from over.

"These shootings happen, and they continue to be my top priority," said Chief Supt. Bill Fordy. "What we are all asking for is the public's continued and enhanced support."

Basra was one of several men identified by Surrey RCMP about five months ago as being either victims or intended victims of a string of shootings linked to a drug turf dispute in Surrey and Delta since March.

The shooting of the 22-year-old near Strawberry Hill Elementary on Sept. 15, however, is believed to be the result of a personal dispute.

The victim's injuries in that incident were not life-threatening, said police.

On Friday, police were asking for public help in finding Basra and Samra.

"The primary purpose is for us being here today is ask for assistance in locating these people as quickly as we can and take them into custody," Fordy said.

Anyone with further information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP’s dedicated tip line at 604-915-6566 or local police in your area. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit www.solvecrime.ca