Man arrested after fatal stabbing near South Surrey mall

Police in Surrey say they have taken oneman into custody in connection with thefatal stabbing near Semiahmoo Shopping Centre early Friday.

At around 3a.m. PT, officers responded to a call from a witness who reported seeing someone lying in a parking lot in the 1700 block of 152 Street.

The victimhad suffered "grievous injuries" and by the time officers arrivedhe had died,said Cpl. Frank Jang with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team at a media briefing later Friday morning.

The scene was quickly taped offand Surrey RCMP contacted the homicide team.As of 11:30 a.m. PT, Jang said the scene was still roped offand the body was still in place.

At the briefing, Jang said investigators arrested one man near the scene of the stabbing.

Later onFriday evening, IHIT identified the victim as 45-year-old Surrey residentDelphin Paul Prestbakmo.

Investigation turns to nearby home

The investigation has now turned to a nearby homejust two blocks away, which police believe is connected withthe crime.

IHIT investigators said the homicide was likely targeted, so police don't believethere is arisk to the general public.

According to Jang, investigators believe others were involved in the crime, either directly or as bystanders. He said police would like to speak to them.

The suspect remains in custody but has not yet been charged.

Anyone with information is askedto call the IHIT information line at1-877-551-4448or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.