Abbotsford experiences three separate shootings within three days, raising urgent questions for local authorities and community safety.
Rapid-Fire Incidents Disrupt Calm Street Scene
On Monday morning in central Abbotsford, the silence was shattered by two separate shootings. The first incident occurred at approximately 9:22 a.m. on Ridgeview Drive, resulting in a fatality. Later, at about 11:45 a.m., officers from the Abbotsford Police Department were dispatched to the 33200 block of George Ferguson Way after reports of gunfire. There they found a 41-year-old male suffering a serious gunshot wound. A suspect was immediately taken into custody.
Meanwhile, just hours earlier on Saturday morning, an unrelated shooting at Clearbrook Road and Downes Road had sent one individual to the hospital with minor injuries — together delivering three shootings within less than three days.
Locations and Timeline Paint Troubling Picture
- Saturday (early hours): Clearbrook Road & Downes Road — one person injured.
- Monday 9:22 a.m.: Ridgeview Drive shooting — fatal.
- Monday ~11:45 a.m.: 33200 block of George Ferguson Way — 41-year-old victim, suspect arrested.
These incidents span across central Abbotsford, signalling a disturbing spike within a short timeframe.
Police Investigations: Targeted or Connected?
Sgt. Paul Walker of the Abbotsford Police Department confirmed that the George Ferguson Way shooting is being treated as targeted, and is not believed to be related to an ongoing extortion investigation or the earlier homicide on Ridgeview Drive. This suggests discrete incidents rather than a single chain event — although all three are under active investigation and police are actively seeking witness cooperation.
Community Context: A Jarring Departure from Recent Trends
The region of Abbotsford-Mission had experienced a five-year low in homicides in 2024, recording just 1.8 deaths per 100,000 people, according to Statistics Canada data. The recent spate of shootings interrupts what had been a relatively calm period, placing fresh pressure on law-enforcement and community safety programs.
Why It Matters: Ripple Effects on Safety and Trust
Multiple shootings in rapid succession raise serious concerns about public safety, the reach of criminal networks, and the effectiveness of preventive strategies. They can erode public trust in the ability of local authorities to maintain order and protect citizens — especially when seemingly random or targeted gun violence surfaces in neighborhoods.
Next Steps: Police Appeal and Public Call for Assistance
Investigators are appealing to anyone who was in the area of George Ferguson Way between Fuller Street and Ware Street around the time of the Monday shooting to contact the department at 604-859-5225. As separate investigations proceed, the department will assess whether links exist between the incidents and continue to update the community accordingly.
Your voice. Your city. Your news. Stay connected with Surrey Speak.
