Skip to Main content

24.44°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Jan 4, 2020 11:44 PM - Pervez Sandhu - Connect News

Murder Charge Laid After Deadly Altercation in Surrey Strip Mall Parking Lot

Share On

A 33-year-old Surrey man has been charged with second-degree murder following a fatal altercation in a strip mall parking lot, raising fresh concerns about late-night safety in commercial areas of the city.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed Friday that Michael Petronio faces the charge after a confrontation early Thursday morning left 39-year-old Jason Wells dead.

Police say several bystanders not only witnessed the altercation but one followed the suspect and provided information that led to a quick arrest. Const. Harrison Mohr of IHIT noted that local business owners also supplied surveillance footage critical to the investigation.

“We were able to make progress quickly because community members stepped forward,” Mohr said. “Their cooperation shows how important public involvement is in keeping our neighbourhoods safe.”

Police said in an earlier statement that many people witnessed the altercation and one of those individuals followed the suspect, helping with a quick arrest.

At the nearby strip mall, several shopkeepers told Connect News Team that incidents of late-night violence have created unease for workers.

Latest news

AlbertaJul 21, 2026

New Ivor Strong Bridge to open Monday, Alberta says

The Alberta government says Calgary drivers will be able to use the new Ivor Strong Bridge beginning Monday, marking a key milestone in the ongoing Deerfoot Trail improvement project. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the new bridge will carry all southbound traffic. Once rehabilitation work on the existing bridge is complete, it will be dedicated to northbound traffic. According to the Alberta government, each bridge will provide four traffic lanes, increasing overall capacity for commuters. The province says the completed project is expected t

three-men-arrested-after-vancouver-police-seize-fentanyl-cocaine-and-methamphetamine-in-downtown-investigation

Three men arrested after Vancouver police seize fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in downtown investigation

Three men have been arrested after a Vancouver Police Department investigation into suspected drug trafficking led to the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and cash from a downtown Vancouver hotel. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, patrol officers launched "Project Atlas" earlier this month after observing what police described as suspicious activity at the Murray Hotel, located at 1117 Hornby St. Officers later executed a search warrant at the property. Police said they seized approximately 344 grams of fentanyl, 336 grams of cocaine, 75 grams of methampheta

IndiaJul 21, 2026

P.M. Modi Assures Farmers Their Interests Will Be Protected in Trade Deals

Amid a march by farmers from Punjab and Haryana toward Delhi to protest the proposed India–U.S. trade agreement and heightened tensions at the Shambhu border, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the central government remains fully committed to the welfare of farmers. The Prime Minister said farmers' interests would be given top priority in any trade agreement. He added that the government would take decisions after considering the concerns of the agricultural community. Modi also addressed students protesting over the NEET-UG paper leak case. He said the government is treating the

trump-says-canada-depends-on-u-s-poilievre-calls-proposed-50-tariff-unjustified

CanadaJul 21, 2026

Trump says Canada depends on U.S.; Poilievre calls proposed 50% tariff 'unjustified'

U.S. President Donald Trump and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre have exchanged sharply contrasting messages as trade tensions between Canada and the United States continue to escalate. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he "loves the people of Canada" but claimed the country "would not exist without the United States" and needs the U.S. to survive. The remarks come amid an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries. Poilievre, meanwhile, criticized Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariff, calling it "unjustified" and harmful to both Canadian workers and American consumers. According

b-c-wildfire-crews-use-drone-for-canadas-first-controlled-burn-operation

B.C. wildfire crews use drone for Canada's first controlled burn operation

Firefighters battling an active wildfire in British Columbia have successfully used a drone to carry out a controlled burn for the first time in Canada, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said crews working near Boston Bar used the drone to ignite a planned section of dry forest that was in the path of the advancing wildfire. The controlled burn was intended to remove available fuel and help slow the fire's spread. According to the BC Wildfire Service, controlled burns are typically conducted using helicopters or ground crews, both of which can expose firefighters to greater risk

Related News

Three men arrested after Vancouver police seize fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in downtown investigation

Three men arrested after Vancouver police seize fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in downtown investigation

Three men have been arrested after a Vancouver Police Department investigation into suspected drug trafficking led to the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and cash from a downtown Vancouver hotel. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, patrol officers launched "Project Atlas" earlier this month after observing what police described as suspicious activity at the Murray Hotel, located at 1117 Hornby St. Officers later executed a search warrant at the property. Police said they seized approximately 344 grams of fentanyl, 336 grams of cocaine, 75 grams of methampheta

B.C. wildfire crews use drone for Canada's first controlled burn operation

B.C. wildfire crews use drone for Canada's first controlled burn operation

Firefighters battling an active wildfire in British Columbia have successfully used a drone to carry out a controlled burn for the first time in Canada, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said crews working near Boston Bar used the drone to ignite a planned section of dry forest that was in the path of the advancing wildfire. The controlled burn was intended to remove available fuel and help slow the fire's spread. According to the BC Wildfire Service, controlled burns are typically conducted using helicopters or ground crews, both of which can expose firefighters to greater risk

Heat warnings issued across southern B.C. after multiple temperature records fall

Heat warnings issued across southern B.C. after multiple temperature records fall

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for much of southern British Columbia after several communities recorded new daily temperature highs. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the warnings cover the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley, and are expected to remain in effect until Wednesday. Heat warnings for parts of the Southern Interior could continue through Thursday. Forecasters say daytime temperatures in coastal areas are expected to exceed 30 C, while the Fraser Valley and Southern Interior could see highs near 35 C. Offi

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital