Arrest made in White Rock, B.C., waterfront homicide case

Homicide investigators have announced a man has been arrested in relation to a fatal stabbing along the White Rock, B.C., promenade last week.

Kulwinder Singh Sohi, 26, was fatally stabbed along the waterfront on Tuesday night, in what wasthe second stabbing in the area in three days.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said Monday in a statement that a 28-year-old man was arrested in Surrey, B.C., in connection with the stabbing.

IHIT said they arrested the man with the assistance of the Integrated Emergency Response Team. A team of officers was seen in South Surrey on Monday afternoon shortly before police released their statement.

"This remains a very active investigation," Sgt. Timothy Pierottisaid in the statement. "We recognize the public's concern for safety and want to provide updates as soon as possible."

Last Tuesday, White Rock RCMPsaid it received a report of a man suffering from apparent stab wounds around 9:30 p.m. PT in the 15400-block of Marine Drive, a few blocks east of the White Rock pier.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Rob Dixonsaidthe man, later identified as Sohi, died at the scene.

Homicide investigators later said witnesses told themthe victim was seen in a physical altercation with the suspect before he began to chase the suspect.

The victim then collapsed and succumbed to his injuries, Pierotti said.

Sohi's friend and former roommateGagan Singh, who knew the 26-year-old from before he immigrated to Canada around 2018, said his friend was a plumber who recently obtained his Red Seal certification.

The Surrey man was described as a personable, socially active and easygoing man by his friend, with Singh saying he had never seen Sohi argue with anyone.

Sunday vigil called for justice

Sohi's death prompted major safety concerns in the Metro Vancouver suburb of White Rock, which is located around 35 kilometres south of downtown Vancouver.

Two days before Sohi was stabbed, 28-year-old Jatinder Singhwas stabbed in the neck while sitting on a bench with his wife near the pier. He suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sunday, more than 100 people gathered near the pier to mourn Sohi. Many held signs demanding justice for the young man.

WATCH | Vigil demands justice for slain Surrey man:

Community holds vigil in White Rock for stabbing victim

4 months ago

Duration 1:16

People in White Rock, B.C., gathered on Sunday to remember 26-year-old Kulwinder Sohi, who died after being stabbed near the city's pier last week. His family, who say Sohi came to Canada about six years ago and worked as a plumber, are devastated by his death, while people in and around White Rock say they are also feeling on edge.

Sohi's brother, Gurleen Sohi, told CBC News at the vigil that police should have increased patrols after the earlier stabbing on April 21.

"We all want justice for my brother," he said. "This should not be happening again."

Sohi also disputed theRCMP's statement that his brother had been in a "physical altercation" with the suspect or may have chased him before he was stabbed.He says it was untrue, according to afriend who was with Sohi that day.

White Rock Mayor Megan Knight said last week she was "completely shocked" to hear about the stabbings, calling the attacks "terrifying" and saying they had shaken the community.

After Sohi's death, White Rock RCMP said they were starting an "enhanced policing initiative" immediately, which normally sees extra patrols being conducted along the city's promenade every summer.

Pierottisaid in Monday's statement that anyone who was near the promenade last Tuesday between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. PT,and has more information or dashcamfootage to share with investigators, should contact IHIT.

WATCH | Two stabbings in three days scare White Rock residents:

Police investigate fatal stabbing on White Rock, B.C., waterfront

5 months ago

Duration 3:10

Homicide investigators have been gathering evidence in White Rock, B.C., following the death of a man along the citys promenade yesterday. As CBC's Michelle Morton reports, the homicide happened only two days after another man was stabbed nearby.