Second B.C. suspect identified in Ontario attack on autistic man
Police have identified a 21-yearold B.C. man as a second suspect in what they call a “vicious” attack in Ontario on a helpless man with autism.
Parmvir Singh Chahil, 21, is a suspect in the March 13 attack that took place at a bus station in Mississauga, according to Peel Regional Police.
A countrywide warrant has been issued for Chahil’s arrest. A warrant was issued earlier for Ronjot Singh Dhami, 25, who was identified as a suspect by police a day earlier. They each face a count of aggravated assault.
A lawyer representing Dhami said on Wednesday that his client is not guilty of the attack that drew outrage from across the country. Jag Virk says Dhami — whose last known address was in Surrey — will turn himself into police, but he maintains his innocence.
Dhami and Chahil are known to B.C. police, but their whereabouts are not known. Peel Insp. Norm English had said it’s possible Dhami may still be in the Greater Toronto Area.
“We encourage him to call a lawyer and surrender to police,” English said on Tuesday. “The other two males involved in this incident are also being urged to surrender.”
“They should be aware that you’re next,” he said. “We will identify you and we are coming for you.”
Police say they do not know where Chahil lives, but he was previously known to be living in Abbotsford at a home that had been targeted in a 2015 shooting. That shooting killed Ping Shu Ao, a 74-year-old bystander who lived nearby.
The Mississauga attack by three men was captured on surveillance footage that has since been widely circulated.
The footage shows a man seated at the bottom of a set of stairs, putting on his in-line skates just as a trio descends. The three men then suddenly turn to face the victim and punch and kick him for several seconds. The victim can then be seen clutching his head as the attackers walk away.
A third suspect has yet to be identified.
Anyone with information is asked to call Peel police at 905-453-3311, ext. 1233, their local police department or Crime Stoppers.