Image: AbbyPD / AbbyPD Chief Constable Colin Watson.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford Police Department

AbbyPD chief constable urges community to avoid speculation after recent homicide, shootings

Nov 12, 2025 | 10:41 AM

ABBOTSFORD — The chief constable of the Abbotsford Police Department is urging the community to avoid speculation and assumptions in the aftermath of a string of recent shootings, including a homicide.

According to a social media update posted on its Facebook page, Abbotsford Police Department Chief Constable Colin Watson acknowledged community unrest behind a recent homicide.

IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong said a 68-year-old man, Darshan Sahsi of Abbotsford, was shot and killed Monday morning, Oct. 27.

IHIT investigators say early indications reveal this was a targeted incident, and no one else was injured as a result of the shooting. Within a roughly two-day span, there were two other shootings in addition to the homicide, spotlighting gun violence in Abbotsford.

“Our community has experienced deeply concerning acts of violence in recent weeks, including targeted shootings and a recent homicide,” Chief Constable Watson said. “These crimes are unacceptable, and AbbyPD remains fully committed to holding those responsible accountable and preventing further harm.”

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Police in Abbotsford say they are actively working to reduce violence through a comprehensive approach that includes strong collaboration with partner agencies at the local, provincial, and federal levels.

“While we strive to keep the public informed, there are times when investigative priorities require discretion. We ask for your understanding as we balance transparency with the need to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations,” Watson said. “During this time, we encourage the community to avoid speculation and assumptions, and to treat information shared online as potentially inaccurate unless it comes directly from official AbbyPD channels.”

Watson says the department remains unwavering in its quest to keep Abbotsford safe, guided by its core value of strength in community.

“Together, we will continue working to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. Thank you for your trust and ongoing support,” Watson said.