Police warn B.C. gangsters' friends, family

People linked to two criminal groups in Metro Vancouver are in danger after a recent gang shooting, announced police in an unusual warning.

"We don't do this every day but we take this very seriously," said Supt. Tom McCluskie, head of the B.C. gang task force. "Given the growing tensions and the potential for violence in the Lower Mainland, we want to assure the public that every effort is being made to get ahead of this violence should it erupt again in our streets."

Jujhar Singh Khun-Khun, 24, waswounded on Fridayin Surrey when several attackers sprayed his vehicle with gunfire.

Khun-Khun is a known member of the Dhak group, which is said to be aligned with the Duhre brothers and the United Nations gang in a violent and long-running war with the Red Scorpions and their allies, the Independent Soldiers and the Hells Angels.

Police have said Friday's shooting may be linked to thekilling of high-profile Red Scorpion leaderJonathan Bacon in Kelowna last month.

Gang investigators revealed Tuesday that they have specific information suggesting those affiliated with the Dhak and Duhre groups are targets as tensions between rival crews escalate.

'If you are associating, if you are hanging around, or you are family or even friends of the Dhaks or the Duhres you are in danger.' Supt. Tom McCluskie

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, whichruns the gang task force,isalso worried members of the public will get caught in the retaliation crossfire.

"Both of these incidents[happened] in very public venues with complete disregard for any of the public standing around,"said McCluskie.

"That's why we're coming forward with this release today to say if you are associating, if you arehanging around, or you are family or evenfriends of the Dhaks or the Duhres you are in danger."

Bacon was shot while in the company of Hells Angel Larry Amero, as well as a member of the Independent Soldiers. Amero's niece wasreportedly paralyzedin the attack.

Eighty officers are investigating the Kelowna shooting and its fallout, said McCluskie.