SURREY RCMP announced on Friday that they have identified the suspect involved in an attempted murder that occurred in Whalley on August 2.

The suspect, Kalid Yimer, 33, is described as 170 cm (5’6”) tall, with dark hair, brown eyes and a medium build.

Yimer is believed to be in the Lower Mainland of BC or travelling to Alberta.

“Given the severity of the incident on August 2, 2024, Kalid Yimer is believed to be violent and dangerous, and police are releasing an enhanced photo to locate him and warn the public,” said Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer with Surrey RCMP. “If you have information on the whereabouts of Kalid Yimer, or if you see him, do not approach and call 9-1-1”.

On Friday, August 2 at approximately 1:10 p.m., police received a report of a serious assault in 10200-block of City Parkway. Frontline officers located the victim, who suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital.

The suspect then proceeded to steal a vehicle and flee the area in a stolen white Mini Cooper with black stripes and black rims bearing British Columbia License Plate D80745.

On Saturday, August 3, Surrey RCMP said: “The stolen vehicle which was used by the suspect has been recovered with the assistance of public. Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit has conduct of the investigation and officers are working diligently to explore all avenues of the investigation, including the determination of the motive of this assault.”

“We thank the public for their assistance in recovering the stolen vehicle and ask that you continue to be on the look out for the suspect who is still at large,” said Inspector Ian MacLellan, Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP Major Crime Section. “Our priority is to locate the suspect and take him into custody as soon as possible. We will continue to update you on our progress.”

Surrey RCMP on Saturday also confirmed The VOICE’s report on August 2 that the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim by throwing an accelerant on his body and proceeded to light him on fire.

Police said the victim suffered serious burns to his body and remains in hospital. He is recovering.

On August 2, one social media post read: “Our beloved brother and respected community member Rahat Rao has been the victim of a horrific attack and is currently in critical condition, we request everyone make dua [prayer] for him. Please keep Rahat in your hearts and prayers.”

Rahat runs SNS Currency Exchange.

Meanwhile, family friend Saif Pannu, who is president of the Pakistan-Canada Association of B.C., told the media that Rao is one of two directors with Canadian Muslim Advocacy International.
Global News reported that according to videos posted on his Facebook page, Rao sets up a booth outside his business every Saturday to share his faith and take questions on Islam from the public. Pannu said that Rao is a supporter of ex-Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.