BCSep 22, 2022
Ongoing homicide investigation leads to arrest on Canada-wide warrant
Arjun Purewal was arrested on Tuesday, September 20, by IHIT investigators following a search of Surrey residence in relation to a Richmond homicide investigation. A Canada-wide warrant had been issued by Coquitlam RCMP on August 26, 2022, when Purewal had illegally removed an ankle monitor.Purewal was awaiting sentencing in connection to a Vancouver Police Department (VPD) investigation into a kidnapping which occurred in Richmond in September 2021.During the course of its investigation, IHIT located Purewal at the Surrey residence as part of an ongoing investigation into a 2021 Richmond homi
BCSep 22, 2022
Surrey Connect recipient of illegal support from Keep the RCMP in Surrey: Surrey Forward
The election laws in British Columbia are clear: third party advertisers cannot collude nor sponsor elector associations. Surrey Connect is receiving direct contributions from the Keep The RCMP in Surrey Third Party Advertiser. "This is simply unacceptable," says Stephen Carter, Campaign Manager for Surrey Forward. "The Local Election Campaign Financing Act is very clear, a third party advertiser such as Keep the RCMP in Surrey, must operate INDEPENDENTLY from the candidates or elector association." "In a campaign where the current Mayor is facing significant criminal charges, a second candida
BCSep 22, 2022
VPD seeks bystander video to ID Breakout Festival suspects
Vancouver Police have launched an online video portal and a dedicated tip line to identify suspects who sparked violence and damaged property following the cancellation of a concert Sunday night at the PNE Amphitheatre. "Video evidence and eyewitness accounts will form a critical part of this investigation, as we work to identify people who destroyed property, engaged in violent behaviour, and put everyone’s safety at risk," says Sergeant Steve Addison."We’ve made it easy for people to come forward, and we’re asking anyone who has video or photos to visit vpd.ca and send them to us for r
BCSep 21, 2022
B.C. releases expert recommendations on repeat offending
The Province has received expert recommendations that will help shape actions to keep people and communities safe, and connect people who have been committing repeat offences with the supports they need to break out of that cycle. Communities throughout B.C. have been dealing with an increase in repeat offending - criminal activity from a small group of people who are disproportionately committing petty crimes in neighbourhoods - as well as unprovoked violent stranger attacks. The Province, in co-operation with the BC Urban Mayors' Caucus, hired experts in mental health and policing, Amanda Bu
BCSep 21, 2022
When we don’t have enough police and firefighters, we put Surrey families at risk: Gordie Hogg
Surrey First mayoral candidate Gordie Hogg says the city is short 60 firefighters, with just 10 new hires since 2018. "Families are at risk when Surrey doesn’t have the firefighters and police it needs," explained Hogg. "Vancouver has about 800 firefighters while Surrey has just 400. Even more concerning is the ratio of residents to firefighters. Vancouver has one firefighter for every 850 residents, while Surrey has one for every 1600. We need to take that shortfall seriously and I want to start by hiring 15 new firefighters each of the next four years." Hogg said Doug McCallum has "short
BCSep 21, 2022
IHIT seek witnesses in early morning fatal shooting in Surrey
On September 20, 2022 at 9:25 a.m., the Surrey RCMP responded to a report of an unconscious man in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle, in the 8800-block of 127 Street, in Surrey. First responders arrived on scene and found the man inside the vehicle, having suffered injuries consistent with a shooting. Despite life-saving efforts, the man died on scene. IHIT has taken conduct of the investigation and is working closely in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS).IHIT has identified the victim as 27-year old Richard Of
BCSep 21, 2022
IIO investigating after woman hospitalized with serious injuries sustained during her arrest in Victoria
BC's police watchdog is investigating after a woman was hospitalized with serious injuries sustained during her arrest by officers in Victoria earlier this month. The Independent Investigations Office says police responded to a report of a woman yelling at an intersection near Beacon Hill Park. It says police called the office to investigate, indicating that the woman had a weapon and she was taken into custody after three hours of negotiations. It says her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
BCSep 20, 2022
IHIT deployed after man succumbs to injuries in Surrey
Surrey RCMP is advising the public of an investigation into the death of an injured man located in a vehicle and requesting anyone with information to contact police. On September 20, 2022, at approximately 9:25 a.m. Surrey RCMP received a reported of a person passed out in a running vehicle in the 8800-block of 127 Street. First responders arrived on scene and located an injured person who was unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts, the man did not survive. Criminality is believed to be a factor, therefore, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has been deployed and will be work
BCSep 20, 2022
Sentencing hearing begins for man convicted of extorting B.C. teen Amanda Todd
A sentencing hearing was expected to begin today for the Dutch man convicted of cyberbullying a BC teen until she took her own life, but the hearing in BC Supreme Court in New Westminster has now been postponed until next month. Aydin Coban was extradited from the Netherlands to BC and was convicted last month of extortion, harassment and other offences related to the relentless targeting of Port Coquitlam teen Amanda Todd. She was 15 when she died by suicide after posting an online video about her ordeal. The sentencing hearing for Coban, who is in his mid-40s, was expected to begin this wee