August 18,2025
RED FM News Desk
Police in Surrey, B.C., are investigating after the president of a non-profit that serves new immigrants was attacked with bear spray outside the organization’s office, in what the group described as a “targeted assault.”
The incident on August 11 was recorded by a surveillance camera in the parking lot of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood.
The video shows PICS president and CEO Satbir Cheema leaving the office and walking to his car around 5:30 p.m., according to the organization. A white Dodge pickup truck then approaches and stops in front of Cheema’s vehicle just as he is about to get in.
A man exits the rear passenger door of the truck and approaches Cheema, who steps back before the assailant sprays him with a canister of bear spray.
“Thankfully, the victim avoided most of the spray and wasn’t incapacitated,” Surrey police spokesperson Ian MacDonald said in an emailed statement to CTV News. “He was able to return to his workplace and call police.”
Authorities said two suspects were involved: the truck’s driver and the attacker. The investigation is ongoing.
The PICS Society, which provides employment, housing, and social services support for newcomers, condemned the attack.
“This cowardly and targeted assault is not just on me personally, but on the values the PICS Society stands for,” Cheema said in a statement issued by the organization. “I am deeply grateful for the support from local police and the wider community. Let me be clear: Violence and intimidation will not stop us from serving those who depend on our services.”
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