Arrests made in road rage homicide

A 38-year-old Langley man and his passenger have been arrested and released without charges in connection with the hit-and-run death of a 21-year-old Abbotsford man on Thursday morning.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) held a press conference Friday in Langley, announcing that the suspect white Ford F250 has been seized and the driver, who isn't known to police, was interviewed well into Thursday evening before being released.

The two men were arrested and the pickup seized several hours after the deadly road rage incident, said IHIT spokesperson Cpl. Dale Carr. The driver did not turn himself in.

Langley RCMP said the deadly run-in started just after 2 a.m., as 21-year-old Silas O'Brien and two of his friends drove along 16 Avenue on their way to the airport for a dream vacation to Hawaii.

All three had been at a prayer meeting just hours before, getting a chance to bid their parents farewell. While driving in the 25800 block of 16 Avenue, the three young men's Chevy Silverado truck came up behind a white Ford F250 pick up.

Police believe the Silverado may have tried to pass the Ford. The driver of the Ford then forced the Chevy off the road and into a ditch.

The three men got out to survey the damage. As the they stood at the side of the road, the Ford pickup turned and drove back, heading straight at them. Two of the friends jumped out of the way, but O'Brien was hit and killed in front of his two best friends. The Ford then sped off.

"At this point we are very confident we have the right F250 and the right suspect," said Carr.

The arrest took place at Fraser Highway and 232 Street, but Carr wouldn't say if it was at a residence.

"Alcohol and drugs may form part of our investigation," he confirmed.

As for whether the driver could face second degree murder charges, Carr wasn't willing to speculate.

"Our challenge is proving intent," he said. "If the evidence supports a murder charge then that's what would go forward to Crown."

Investigators continue to work hard to obtain charges.

"The vehicle is undergoing a thorough forensic investigation at this point," Carr said.

Meanwhile, O'Brien's parents are asking for privacy.

"I have spoken to the O'Briens and I will relay a message from them," said Langley RCMP Supt. Janice Armstrong. "They really appreciate the outpouring of compassion and love from this community and the entire Lower Mainland.

"It's given them strength in such a terrible time."

Armstrong offered heartfelt condolences to the O'Brien family and to Silas' friends on behalf of the officers and the community.

"We are in shock and disbelief. This is such a senseless and terrible tragedy. It's a cowardly crime," she said.