Sgt. Freda Fong
Photo: IHIT
THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) identified last Saturday’s homicide victim in Surrey as 45-year-old Zachery Rider of the Lower Mainland area in an effort to further the investigation.
At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) officers responded to assist BCEHS and Surrey Fire Services with an unresponsive injured male in the 9800-block of Foxglove Drive.
Members located a man suffering from injuries who was receiving treatment from BCEHS and Surrey Fire Services. Despite life-saving efforts the man was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. One man was arrested for further investigation.
IHIT deployed to Surrey and assumed conduct of the investigation. It continues to work in close partnership with the RCMP SPOSU, the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS) and the BC Coroners Service to advance the investigation.
While the investigation is in its early stages, investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
A man who was initially arrested has since been released without charge as investigators have had an opportunity to understand his involvement in relation to the incident.
“Investigators continue to work diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding the death,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “A number of witness interviews are ongoing as we establish the deceased’s background and a timeline of his arrival to the area. Anyone who had recent contact with Mr. Rider is urged to contact IHIT right away.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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