Man Faces Multiple Charges in Metro Vancouver Kidnapping and Assault Cases
A 28-year-old man is confronting 14 serious criminal charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault with a weapon, following a coordinated police investigation that connected him to incidents across three Metro Vancouver communities last month. Law enforcement officials suspect there may be additional victims or witnesses who have not yet come forward.
Incidents Span Three Lower Mainland Communities
According to British Columbia RCMP, the investigation began on January 18 when Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to reports of a woman being held against her will in a vehicle in Pitt Meadows. The suspect was described as armed and displaying threatening behavior. Police located both the woman and a man in the northern area of Pitt Meadows, taking a suspect into custody at that time.
Through collaborative efforts with police agencies across Metro Vancouver, investigators identified two similar incidents that had occurred days earlier. The first took place in Surrey on January 15, followed by another in West Vancouver on January 16.
Charges Approved Against 28-Year-Old Suspect
Prosecutors have approved multiple charges against Amritpal Singh, 28, including:
- Three counts of kidnapping
- Two counts of uttering threats
- Three counts of mischief related to computer and telephone data and text messages
- Sexual assault with a weapon
- Assault with a weapon
- Assault
- Two counts of using an imitation firearm while committing an offence
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Social Media Used to Lure Victims
"Investigators believe that Mr. Singh identified victims through an online platform and allegedly used it to solicit or offer employment opportunities," stated an RCMP spokesperson. The suspect reportedly used social media and text messages to entice women to meet under the guise of discussing job offers.
Police Collaboration Key to Investigation
The investigation involved cooperation between Ridge Meadows RCMP, West Vancouver Police Department, and Surrey Police Service, with each agency submitting reports to the B.C. Prosecution Service for charge consideration.
"Our ability to work closely with our policing partners in the Lower Mainland is a strength and was essential to advancing this investigation," emphasized Staff Sgt. Michelle Luca, commander of the Pitt Meadows RCMP detachment.
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton of the Surrey Police Service added, "Today more than ever, investigations cross municipal borders and police agencies work closely together to share information to ensure offenders can't hide just because they cross a road or a bridge."
Police Seek Additional Witnesses
West Vancouver police spokeswoman Suzanne Birch indicated that investigators believe there may be additional witnesses who have not yet spoken with authorities. "We urge anyone who received communication from Amritpal (Amar/Aman) Singh, even if they did not engage with him, to contact their local police department," she stated.
For those affected by sexual assault, support services are available through organizations including the Surrey Women's Centre, Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre, the 24-Hour Rape Crisis Line, and the B.C. Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse.
