A body found dumped down an embankment in Surrey on Tuesday morning has been identified and confirmed as the city’s 24th homicide of the year.

Phillip Oun, 23, of Surrey, was known to police and had a criminal history, according to homicide investigators.

“This homicide is believed to have been a targeted attack and IHIT investigators along with the Surrey RCMP have resources in place and are working to determine the motive for the killing,” said Sgt. Adam MacIntosh of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

Oun’s body was found around 11 a.m. Tuesday down an embankment near train tracks located close to 124 Street and 102 Avenue in Surrey.

Police said early indications were that the death was “suspicious in nature” and the IHIT was called in to investigate further.

Surrey RCMP Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said as the killing is believed to be targeted, there is no threat to the public.

“I want to assure Surrey residents that they are safe — unless they involve themselves in high risk activities and lifestyles that put them in danger or at risk for harm.

“The victim in this latest incident is another in a long list of persons who have become victims because of their lifestyle,” Fordy said.

“The unfortunate ultimate reality of a criminal lifestyle, as I have said so many times before, is jail or death.

“ If you involve yourself in this level of criminal activity, the likelihood of ending up dead in a ditch or in jail is very high — actually, I would say it is inevitable.”

As part of the probe, investigators are also searching for Oun’s blue 2008 Chrysler Sebring, with B.C. licence plate 741 TMP.

Police are asking anyone who was in the area of 124 Street and 102 Avenue between 10 a.m. Monday and 11 a.m. Tuesday, or who may have seen anything suspicious, to contact the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-4448 or by email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go to solvecrime.ca.