Last week, the CEO of a non-profit organization in Surrey had a frightening encounter when he was bear-sprayed outside his office, suspecting it to be a deliberate attack.
Satbir Singh Cheema, the president and CEO of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS), contacted 911 before 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, as reported by the Surrey Police Service.
In a video capturing the incident, two individuals in a white Dodge pickup truck approached Cheema in a parking lot near 80 Avenue and 128 Street. Cheema shared with OMNI News that he had a brief conversation with the occupants of the vehicle before a masked man suddenly emerged from the back seat, displaying aggressive behavior. He also noticed the driver filming the encounter.
Feeling a sense of impending danger, Cheema attempted to retreat behind his own vehicle when he was sprayed. Fortunately, his quick reflexes prevented the spray from directly hitting his face, although some landed on his shirt, turban, and arm. The assailants then fled the scene. Cheema promptly washed off the spray, contacted the authorities, and reviewed surveillance footage.
Cheema is convinced that the attack was premeditated and specifically targeted against him and his organization, suspecting individuals with grievances against PICS.
PICS is known for its wide range of services catering to new immigrants, seniors, farm workers, women, and youth, including employment programs, settlement services, language assistance, social programs, and housing services.
Despite the alarming incident, Cheema expressed gratitude for the support from the community and expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation.
The Surrey Police Service has confirmed that they are actively investigating the case.