Lower Mainland businessman identified as shooting victim

The identity of the victim in one of the two Abbotsford shootings on Monday (Oct. 27) has been revealed, with the community now mourning local businessman Darshan Sahsi. The 68-year-old Abbotsford resident was fatally shot inside his truck at 9:22 a.m. outside of his home in the 31300 block of Ridgeview Drive. Despite life-saving measures from first responders, Sahsi was pronounced dead at the scene, with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) taking over control of the investigation. Footage of the murder was captured by the CCTV system of a nearby home, showing the masked killer exiting a silver Toyota Corolla, crossing the road, walking right up to the driver’s side window of Sahsi’s truck and shooting him. The murderer then lingers by the truck, appearing to confirm Sahsi had been fatally injured, before running back to the Corolla and driving away. IHIT media relations officer Sgt. Freda Fong released an image of the getaway vehicle, saying that anyone with information relevant to this investigation should call 1-877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. “You can expect investigators in the area canvassing for witnesses and processing the crime scene,” said Fong. “As we continue to build a timeline of events, it is important for anyone with information to contact IHIT immediately.” Sahsi was the president of Canam International, which is a textile recycling business that has locations in both Abbotsford and Maple Ridge. According to the company website, Sahsi grew up in Punjab, India, and came to Canada in 1991. “His commendable work ethic and business acumen has allowed him to establish a successful textile recycling corporation which employs over 1,000 people and has redirected over two billion pounds of clothing away from landfills,” said Sahsi’s biography. Canam International purchases textiles in bulk from thrift stores and charities across North America, Japan, Australia, and other countries. They sort, grade, and pack the clothing and ship it to more than 40 countries worldwide, including India. Condolences have been pouring in online from those who knew Sahsi. “Very sad to hear about the shooting of Darshan Singh Sahsi of Abbotsford. Great guy. He was very helpful every which way, thorough gentleman. His death means that our community lost a great businessman plus a very helpful gentleman,” Harry Dhaliwal wrote in a Facebook post. “Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Sahsi. A true inspiration and respected figure in our community. May his soul rest in peace,” said Hardeep Grewal. – with files from Colleen Flanagan

The identity of the victim in one of the two Abbotsford shootings on Monday (Oct. 27) has been revealed, with the community now mourning local businessman Darshan Sahsi.

The 68-year-old Abbotsford resident was fatally shot inside his truck at 9:22 a.m. outside of his home in the 31300 block of Ridgeview Drive.

Despite life-saving measures from first responders, Sahsi was pronounced dead at the scene, with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) taking over control of the investigation.

Footage of the murder was captured by the CCTV system of a nearby home, showing the masked killer exiting a silver Toyota Corolla, crossing the road, walking right up to the driver’s side window of Sahsi’s truck and shooting him.

The murderer then lingers by the truck, appearing to confirm Sahsi had been fatally injured, before running back to the Corolla and driving away.

IHIT media relations officer Sgt. Freda Fong released an image of the getaway vehicle, saying that anyone with information relevant to this investigation should call 1-877-551-4448 or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

“You can expect investigators in the area canvassing for witnesses and processing the crime scene,” said Fong.

“As we continue to build a timeline of events, it is important for anyone with information to contact IHIT immediately.”

Sahsi was the president of Canam International, which is a textile recycling business that has locations in both Abbotsford and Maple Ridge.

According to the company website, Sahsi grew up in Punjab, India, and came to Canada in 1991.

“His commendable work ethic and business acumen has allowed him to establish a successful textile recycling corporation which employs over 1,000 people and has redirected over two billion pounds of clothing away from landfills,” said Sahsi’s biography.

Canam International purchases textiles in bulk from thrift stores and charities across North America, Japan, Australia, and other countries. They sort, grade, and pack the clothing and ship it to more than 40 countries worldwide, including India.

Condolences have been pouring in online from those who knew Sahsi.

“Very sad to hear about the shooting of Darshan Singh Sahsi of Abbotsford. Great guy. He was very helpful every which way, thorough gentleman. His death means that our community lost a great businessman plus a very helpful gentleman,” Harry Dhaliwal wrote in a Facebook post.

“Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Sahsi. A true inspiration and respected figure in our community. May his soul rest in peace,” said Hardeep Grewal.

– with files from Colleen Flanagan