THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team on Monday identified the homicide victim who was assaulted in Surrey on Sunday as Wesley Dean Rideout in an effort to further the ongoing investigation into his death.

On October 21, at 2:45 a.m., Surrey RCMP responded to an assault in the area of 104th Avenue and King George Boulevard.

Surrey RCMP said the person who called to inform them of the assault as well as the victim were uncooperative with them. Both ran away before police arrived at the scene and could not be located.

Later on Sunday, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Surrey RCMP were notified by the BC Coroner Service that the adult male victim had died in the hospital as a result of his injuries.

IHIT is currently investigating in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section, and the BC Coroners Service.

Preliminary information obtained indicates that this was not a random assault. The victim was known to police. IHIT detectives continue to examine the scene, while canvassing for witnesses and video surveillance.

“We believe there are persons out there who knew of Mr. Rideout’s activities on the night of his assault,” said IHIT Cpl. David Lee. “We ask anyone with information, or video in the area of 104 Avenue and King George Boulevard, to contact IHIT immediately.”

Back in August 2014, Rideout, then 25, was arrested by New Westminster Police in a stolen 1998 Volkswagen Jetta and was charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of possession of stolen property under $5,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).