Surrey, B.C. — Police are investigating a violent assault on Satbir Cheema, president and CEO of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, after surveillance footage captured him being targeted with bear spray in the parking lot of the group’s Newton office.
The attack took place on August 11 as Cheema was leaving work around 5:30 p.m. Video shows a white Dodge pickup pulling up, with a man exiting the rear passenger side and discharging bear spray toward Cheema as he walked to his car. Cheema managed to avoid most of the spray and quickly retreated inside to call for help.
According to Surrey police, two suspects were involved — the driver and the assailant — and both remain at large. Investigators are reviewing the video and other evidence as they search for those responsible.
In a statement, PICS Society condemned the incident as a “targeted assault.” Cheema stressed that the attack was not only personal but an attempt to undermine the organization’s mission of helping newcomers to Canada through employment, housing, and social services.
“I am deeply grateful for the support from local police and the community,” Cheema said. “Violence and intimidation will not deter us from serving those who depend on us.”