The president and CEO of Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) narrowly escaped being sprayed with bear spray while leaving the PICS office in Surrey.
Satbir S. Cheema, CEO and president of PICS, said, 鈥淭his cowardly and targeted attack is not just on me personally, but on the values the PICS Society stands for. I am deeply grateful for the support being provided by the local police and the community at large. Let me be clear: violence and intimidation will not deter us from serving those who depend on our services.鈥�
Security footage provided to Black Press Media shows Satbir Cheema leaving the office building (12725 80 Ave.) at around 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 and walking to his car. A white truck parked at the end of the parking lot can be seen slowly driving up to Cheema's car and stopping in front of it.
An individual in the truck got out of the rear passenger door and briefly spoke to Cheema before they quickly moved toward him and attempted to spray him with bear spray, police said. He sustained "only minor exposure to clothing, turban and left arm," said PICS director of communication Phalak Betab.
As Cheema had moved behind his car before the attack, he was able to avoid most of the direct impact of the spray.
The individual then got back in the truck and drove away. Surrey Police added that the white Dodge pickup had no front plate and had two occupants, a driver and an attacker. Cheema then returned to his office and called the police.
Surrey Police would not confirm if the attack was targeted, but added that as of Aug. 19, no arrests have been made, but the investigation is ongoing, police added.
Board Chair Maninder Grewal added: 鈥淭he Board of Directors and all the members stand firmly behind our CEO and condemn this shameful act in the strongest possible terms. PICS has served this community with dignity and dedication for decades, and we will not allow fear or aggression to derail our mission.鈥�
Since 1987, Surrey-based PICS has provided "a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes Employment Programs, Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs and Housing Services," the organization's website says.
Security footage shows Satbir Cheema leaving the PICS office building (12725 80 Ave.) at around 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2025.
鈥� Anna Burns (@AnnaBBurns)
