A Surrey man faces charges after an alleged attempt to set a sleeping SkyTrain rider on fire. Quick-thinking riders stepped in.
A Routine Commute Turns Into a Nightmare
At first, it felt like any other commute. The SkyTrain rolled from Vancouver toward Burnaby. Meanwhile, one passenger slept quietly in his seat. However, that calm moment shattered in seconds.
According to Transit Police, a man allegedly poured a liquid onto the sleeper’s clothes and then tried to set them on fire. As a result, panic spread through the train. Still, help arrived fast.
Bystanders Step Up Without Hesitation
Thankfully, nearby passengers did not freeze. Instead, they acted.
Several riders jumped in right away. They confronted the suspect. Then, they forced him off the train at Patterson Station. After that, they held him there until police arrived.
Because of their quick action, the victim escaped without serious injuries. Most importantly, a far worse outcome was avoided.
Charges Laid Against Surrey Man
Police later identified the suspect as 37-year-old Surrey resident Sukbinder Sogy.
He now faces several serious charges. These include assault with a weapon, mischief causing danger to life, and possession of incendiary material. For now, he remains in custody. His next court appearance is set for Jan. 21.
Transit Police Praise Courage and Care
Transit Police called the incident terrifying. Even so, they stressed gratitude.
“This was a frightening ordeal,” said Const. Amanda Steed, media relations officer for Metro Vancouver Transit Police. She also praised the bystanders. According to her, their bravery and selflessness made a real difference.
At the same time, police reminded the public to stay safe. They do not expect anyone to put themselves in danger. Nevertheless, this case shows how fast thinking can save lives.
A Stark Reminder for Riders Everywhere
Incidents like this raise serious concerns about safety on public transit. Yet, they also highlight community strength.
While the investigation continues, one fact stands out clearly. Because ordinary people chose to act, a terrible act did not end in tragedy.
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