SURREY RCMP announced on Thursday that charges have been laid against 52-year-old Marc Nijjer for allegedly assaulting a young man from Syria who was new to Canada on November 16.

He has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm and is scheduled to make his first appearance in Surrey court on March 8.

“Thanks to assistance from the public after an appeal was made to help identify the suspect, officers were able to forward the investigation,” said Cpl. Scotty Schumann.  “Police are grateful for any help, no matter how insignificant it may seem.  Sometimes that little bit of information is all that’s needed to solve a crime.”

Shortly before noon on November 16, Surrey RCMP was called to the 13700-block of 72nd Avenue after an assault occurred. The 18-year-old boy was elbowed in the face by the alleged suspect for no apparent reason. The victim fortunately only received minor injuries.

Police obtained a surveillance photo of the alleged suspect and asked the public’s assistance in identifying him (see photo).

“A simple assault can have a profound impact on a new person to the country,” said Schumann at the time. “At a recent Surrey RCMP Diversity Unit event for refugees and immigrants, Sgt. Ray Stanford reached out to the family of the victim to offer support and updates. This was completely foreign to the family and appreciated. Community engagement events like this help to foster trust and communication between the diverse citizens of Surrey and the local RCMP.”