8.12°C Vancouver 8.12°C VancouverAug 18, 2025 9:56 PM - Pervez Sandhu - Connect Newsroom
The president and CEO of Surrey’s Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, Satbir Cheema, was attacked outside the organization’s office on August 11 in what police are investigating as an assault involving a chemical spray.
Cheema was leaving the office around 5:30 p.m. when a white pickup truck pulled up and a man exited with what appeared to be bear spray or pepper spray. Cheema became suspicious, moved away, and shielded himself behind his vehicle. Surveillance video provided to police shows two suspects fleeing the scene immediately after the attack.
In a statement, PICS Society called the incident a “cowardly attack” and urged elected officials, community leaders, and the public to speak out against violence.
Cheema was not seriously injured. RCMP confirmed they are reviewing surveillance footage as part of the investigation. Connect FM has requested further comment from police on possible suspects.
In a statement, PICS Society called the incident a “cowardly attack” and urged elected officials, community leaders, and the public to speak out against violence.
Cheema was not seriously injured. RCMP confirmed they are reviewing surveillance footage as part of the investigation. Connect FM has requested further comment from police on possible suspects.
For many residents, the attack was unsettling. Balbir Kaur, a senior who regularly attends PICS programs, told Connect FM: "PICS has been a second home for me. It is frightening to hear that someone attacked the very person who makes these services possible for seniors like me."
PICS, one of Surrey’s largest non-profits, provides settlement services, employment programs, and seniors’ housing to thousands of clients annually.
Video of the incident, reviewed by Connect FM, corroborates the sequence of events described by PICS.
