A man is facing 14 charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault with a weapon, in connection with police investigations in three Lower Mainland cities.
On Jan. 18, at 12:40 a.m. Ridge Meadows RCMP received a report that a woman was allegedly being held against her will in a car. The suspect was reportedly armed and exhibiting threatening behaviour.
Police immediately pursued various investigational avenues and located the woman and male suspect in north Pitt Meadows. Upon police arrival, the suspect was safely taken into custody.
Through collaboration with policing partners across the Lower Mainland, investigators identified two similar incidents that allegedly occurred in Surrey and West Vancouver just days earlier, on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16.
Ridge Meadows RCMP, West Vancouver Police, and Surrey Police Service each submitted reports to the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) for charge assessment.
BCPS has approved the following charges against 28-year-old Amritpal Singh in relation to the alleged events in Pitt Meadows, West Vancouver and Surrey:
• Three counts of kidnapping
• Two counts uttering threats
• Three counts of mischief in relation to computer data, text messages and telephone data
• Sexual assault with a weapon
• Assault with a weapon
• Assault
• Two counts of use of an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence
• Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
“Our ability to work closely with our policing partners in the Lower Mainland is a strength and was essential to advancing this investigation. Timely information sharing and effective coordination remain fundamental pillars of community safety,” said Staff Sgt. Michelle Luca, Pitt Meadows RCMP detachment commander.
Investigators believe Singh identified victims through an online platform, and allegedly used it to solicit or offer employment opportunities.
The charges against Singh have not been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information that may help advance the investigation is urged to contact their local police of jurisdiction.
“We believe there may be additional witnesses who have not yet spoken with police. 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,” said Suzanne Birch, spokesperson for the West Van Police.
“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 officers and crime analysts are able to examine incidents and potentially connect them, ensuring that our communities are safer,” said Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, Surrey Police Service spokesperson.