SURREY Police on Friday announced that a warrant has been issued for Kalid Yimer, 33, who has now been charged with the August 2, 2024 attempted murder of Pakistani-Canadian businessman Rahat Rao, who was allegedly doused in accelerant and lit on fire in Surrey’s City Parkway.
Yimer is believed to be in the Lower Mainland area and is known to have ties to Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta.
Rahat ran SNS Currency Exchange. A family friend told the media last year that Rao was one of two directors with Canadian Muslim Advocacy International. According to videos posted on his Facebook page, Rao used to set up a booth outside his business every Saturday to share his faith and take questions on Islam from the public.
Police said investigators continue to examine a possible motive of this incident. However, they do not believe this to be an attack motivated by either religious or political ideology.
On August 2, 2024, at approximately 1:10 pm, Surrey RCMP received a report of a serious assault in 10200-block of City Parkway. Frontline officers attended the scene and located the victim, who suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital.
On August 3, 2024, the stolen vehicle which was used by the suspect was recovered with the assistance of public.
On August 9, 2024, Surrey RCMP identified the suspect as being Kalid Yimer. Police released an enhanced photo to locate him and warn the public that is believed to be violent and dangerous.
Police said on Friday that investigators with the RCMP SPOSU Major Crime Unit are pursuing all investigative avenues to locate and arrest Yimer. An extensive investigation has occurred.
Police are re-appealing to the public to remain on the lookout for Yimer and to call 9-1-1 immediately if you see him. Prior to the incident, Yimer was known to work in day-labour types of jobs, investigators are asking anyone posting job ads or hiring men to complete odd-jobs become familiar with Yimer’s photo and be aware of him.
Anyone with information about Kalid Yimer’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502 and quote file 24-113412 (SU).
