Winnipeg Murder Suspect Arrested in Surrey After Attempting to Evade Police
In a significant law enforcement operation, a suspect wanted for murder in Winnipeg was arrested in Surrey last month after being spotted by uniformed officers while he was out on parole. Chad Dandan, 25, was taken into custody by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit-B.C. (CFSEU-B.C.) on March 26, 2024, despite his attempts to avoid detection.
Details of the Arrest
Sgt. Sarbjit Sangha of CFSEU-B.C. stated that Dandan "was attempting to evade detection by concealing his identity" when officers recognized him. The suspect had been featured in the national BOLO (Be on the Look Out) campaign, which aims to alert the public about high-profile fugitives. Sangha emphasized, "The suspect took deliberate steps to avoid being recognized, but our officers’ training and vigilance led to his arrest. This is a strong example of the work our members do every day to enhance public safety."
Following the arrest, CFSEU-B.C. collaborated closely with Winnipeg police to coordinate Dandan's return. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings in Winnipeg.
Background of the Case
The charges against Dandan stem from a September 2024 incident in Winnipeg. Police were called to the 300-block of Bridge Lake Drive regarding a missing 22-year-old Ontario man, Zeyad Vifan Shammo, who had been abducted. Shammo was found dead at a residence three days later. Initially, two men, Sonny Balemba and Robert James Chaykowski, were charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and extortion. Dandan was later identified as a third suspect and charged in connection with the case.
Success of the BOLO Program
Maxime Langlois, director of the BOLO program, praised the arrest as a demonstration of the initiative's effectiveness. He noted that the program has also aided in capturing other high-profile fugitives in British Columbia, such as gangsters Conor D’Monte and Rabih Alkhalil. Langlois commented, "Hats off to all Canadians for being on the lookout for Chad Dandan. Hats off to the Winnipeg Police Service for working tirelessly to bring Dandan to justice… Together, we make our communities safer."
The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies across Canada to apprehend dangerous individuals and maintain public safety through coordinated campaigns and community awareness.
