‘Gang homicides among most complex and high-risk investigations to manage:’ Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT.
Taran Pandher (IHIT photo)
Nearly 11 months after a young man was fatally shot while riding in a taxi in Langley, police have arrested and charged two men in connection with the homicide.
On Aug. 14, investigators with the Integrated Gang Homicide Team (IGHT) arrested 35-year-old Jared Douglas Polischuk and 29-year-old Luis Manuel Baez. The two men have been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit the murder of 24-year-old Taran Pandher.
Pandher, a resident of the Lower Mainland, was shot and killed on September 5, 2025. At approximately 10:28 p.m. that evening, Langley RCMP responded to reports of a shooting near 200th Street and 53rd Avenue. Officers arrived to find the victim inside a taxi and attempted lifesaving measures, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. No one else was injured.
About 30 minutes after the shooting, police received reports of a vehicle fire in the 13200 block of 64A Avenue in Surrey. Investigators believe that vehicle was connected to the shooting.
The Integrated Gang Homicide Team took over the investigation, working alongside Langley RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Service, and the BC Coroners Service. Police have stated they believe the shooting was targeted and linked to the British Columbia Gang Conflict.
Over the past 11 months, IHIT investigators pursued various investigative avenues to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, gathering information about the motivation and planning behind the attack.
“Gang homicides are among the most complex and high-risk investigations to manage,” says Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT. “IGHT investigators specialize in these types of investigations, which allows us to focus on the investigative avenues that are critical to building a case forward for charge assessment.”
“While the laying of these charges is a significant development, our work is not over. Investigators believe other individuals were involved in this shooting, and we are committed to holding all who were involved accountable. Much work remains as we continue to pursue those responsible while supporting the prosecution process.”
Investigators believe other individuals were involved in the shooting and remain committed to holding all responsible parties accountable.
