TEEN BOY SHOT IN DRUG-RELATED CROSSFIRE

SURREY A teenage boy in Surrey has become the latest bystander to
fall victim to a drug-fuelled shooting in Metro Vancouver. He was hit
in the lower back by a single bullet Saturday, but was not seriously injured.

RCMP Sgt. Roger Morrow said in a news release that the boy was struck
as he and a friend walked near what police termed a well-known "
crack shack" in Whalley just as shots rang out after midnight Saturday.

The shots were apparently aimed at a 33- year-old man, " known to
police," who had just arrived in a taxi. The man was hit numerous
times and was in hospital in critical condition. Morrow said the man
is expected to survive and said police believe the shooting is drug- related.

The teens had been walking on 132nd Street near the intersection of
111th Avenue. The intended victim was standing on the northwest
corner of the intersection, talking to the cab driver. The boys
turned at the intersection and headed west on 111th. That's when the
shooting began. The boys fled into an alley and moments later one of
them was hit. The wounded teen was expected to be released from
hospital Sunday.

The cab driver also took off when the shooting began and police are
urging him to come forward. Morrow said police are concerned for the
driver's safety.

Police urge anyone with information on the taxi, the driver or any
details on the event to call police ( 604- 5990502) or Crimestoppers
( 1800- 222- 8477).