Colin Hill, Surrey homeowner, shot dead during break-in

A Surreyhomeowner trying to prevent a man from breaking into his family homewas shot dead Sunday night and a 22-year-old man with an extensive criminal history was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene.

Police say Colin Hill, a 42-year-oldreal estate agent, got into an altercation with the suspect, who wasarmed with a gun,at his home at 165 Street and 64 Avenue shortly after 11:30 pm PT. The victimlived at the home with his wife, also a real estate agent, and their children.

"We now have a widow and two children that don't have a father," says one neighbour DeborahBoyer. "This is just terrible."

Police said neighboursreportedthere was some kind of disagreementinside the home before the shots were fired.

Hill's neighbour Pam Prudil was in bed watching TV when she heard the gunshots ring out.

"It was like five 'pop pop pop pop' sounds. I wasn't sure what it was. I thought it was fireworksand then I thought that sounds like gunshots," she said.

Chief Superintendent BillFordysaid he is angry at the pointless loss of life.

"This was a tragic and truly senseless act that has no rationale. There's no question that these are the most painful moments that a family can endure."

Police investigation ongoing

Police continued to investigate on Monday. From the street, one could see police tape and a bullet-riddled door.

Police said the two men did not know each other.

"Iwould like to know what is the motive for the killing ...because that way we will be feeling more safe because it is not too far from us," said another neighbour Jessica Orba.

The suspectfled the scene in what was later determined to be a stolen vehicle, police say.

Several hours later, Burnaby RCMPwerecalled to an apartment around 2 a.m. at the 7300block of Macpherson Avenue after a witness reported a male brandishing a gun attempting to break in.The suspect and vehicle matched the description of the suspect in the Surrey shooting.

The suspect, who has not been named and has an extensive criminal history, according to police,is set to appear in Surrey Provincial Court Tuesday to face charges includingsecond-degree murder.

">GoogleMap: 165 Street and 64 Avenue, Surrey, B.Cand 7300 block of Macpherson Avenue, Burnaby, B.C.

Condolences on social media

Those who knew Hill tweeted their condolences.