WHITE Rock RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance with information that could assist with identifying the suspect in a stabbing that occurred near the White Rock Pier on Sunday evening.

A media report on Monday evening identified the victim as Jatinder Singh who was on an outing with his wife, Manpreet Kaur. The couple had arrived in Canada from India just a couple of months ago. Singh was attacked without any provocation. He was stabbed in the neck.

Manpreet told Global BC that although she screamed for help, no one came to aid them. She finally called 911 herself. To add to her distress, she was not allowed to accompany her husband in the ambulance. And to make matters worse, police goofed up by first taking her to the wrong hospital and then, when they arrived at the right one, she told Global News they demanded that she provide a statement before seeing her husband. But she told the officers that she would not do so until she had confirmed her husband’s condition.

The couple are now in a dilemma about how they will pay the hospital bill as they have no medical insurance. The husband is the sole breadwinner and it will be a challenge to make ends meet.

(On Thursday, April 25, the Health Ministry said Jatinder Singh’s medical costs would be covered by his insurance that is being backdated.)

White Rock RCMP said that on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m., they received a report that someone had been stabbed near the White Rock Pier. Police located the 28-year-old victim and provided first aid until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to hospital by Emergency Health Services with non-life-threatening injuries.

White Rock RCMP said on Monday that they are actively exploring all avenues of investigation to gather necessary evidence to identify, locate and arrest the suspect. They have received additional support from Surrey RCMP, the Integrated Police Dog Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section.

Police said that the investigation is in the early stages and the motive is undetermined. Based on initial information, police do not believe that parties were known to each other or that there was any confrontation prior to the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male, wearing a ball cap and a grey hoodie.

“There were many people in the area and we are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or was taking photos / videos in the area to contact police,” said Staff-Sgt. Rob Dixon. “Public safety is a priority so we are asking the public to assist us in our investigation to identify the suspect to prevent further incidents.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.