Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Early-Morning Abbotsford Collision

Early-Morning Impact

A pedestrian died after being struck by a white pickup truck early Friday morning in Abbotsford. The collision occurred at 5:28 a.m. on Dec. 5 along McCallum Road near Busby Road, a corridor known for limited street lighting during winter months.

Emergency Response at Scene

Emergency crews arrived minutes after the crash and found the pedestrian suffering from life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to hospital but later succumbed to their injuries, according to the Abbotsford Police Department (APD).

Police Assessment of Contributing Factors

Investigators say impairment is not believed to have played a role, and the pickup truck driver has been fully cooperating. Police noted that poor lighting conditions and the pedestrian’s dark clothing are believed to be contributing factors in the fatal collision.

Ongoing Investigation and Road Closures

The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) is assisting APD as the investigation remains in its early stages. McCallum Road was closed in both directions between Marshall Road and Cannon Avenue, with officers expecting the closure to last several hours as of 8 a.m. Friday.

Call for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the collision to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225. Authorities say public assistance will play a critical role in establishing a full understanding of the events leading up to the crash.

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Abbotsford Store Warns of Fire-Damaged Pet Products Being Resold

Concern Over Unsafe Items

Buckerfield’s is alerting pet owners after discovering fire-damaged pet food and treats from its Abbotsford location being resold online. The issue surfaced when staff noticed listings on Kijiji, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace offering heavily discounted versions of products once stocked at the store.

Origin of the Risk

The company confirms these items were salvaged from a major fire that struck the Abbotsford store in July. According to general manager Peter Armstrong, the products were supposed to be fully discarded under an agreement between Buckerfield’s and its insurer. Instead, some items were taken and later appeared on third-party resale platforms.

Health Hazards Explained

Armstrong emphasized that the fire compromised the safety of all affected consumables. Exposure to heat, smoke and contaminants poses serious health risks to animals that consume these items. He strongly advised anyone who has purchased the resold products to dispose of them immediately through municipal garbage or compost systems.

Guidance for Pet Owners

With the Abbotsford location now fully reopened, Buckerfield’s is encouraging customers to visit the store for verified safe replacements. Armstrong noted that the store is fully stocked with authorized versions of popular pet brands and is prepared to help pet owners find secure alternatives.

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Abbotsford Home Struck in Targeted Shooting Linked to Extortion Case

Early-Morning Gunfire

An Abbotsford home was hit by gunfire early Tuesday morning after a targeted shooting linked to an ongoing extortion investigation, according to local police. The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) says officers responded at approximately 3:43 a.m. on Nov. 18 to reports of shots fired in the 2500 block of Janzen Street.

Scene Officers Encountered

When officers arrived, they found two unoccupied vehicles parked in the driveway of the home struck by bullets. Police say the residents were inside and asleep at the time of the shooting. No one was injured.

Police Determining Motive

APD reported the attack was deliberate and connected to an “ongoing extortion investigation.” Authorities did not release further details about the nature of the extortion case but confirmed the residence had been intentionally targeted rather than randomly chosen.

Investigative Steps Underway

Police are now gathering evidence from the scene and reviewing nearby surveillance footage. Officers remain in the neighbourhood to conduct further inquiries as part of the broader investigation into the extortion-related activity.

Call for Witnesses and Footage

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the Janzen Street area between 3:15 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. to come forward. Drivers with dashcam recordings or residents with security video that may have captured the incident are asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.

The post Abbotsford Home Hit in Targeted Shooting, Say Police first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Watchdog Orders Public Hearing

The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) has ordered a public hearing into the actions of two Abbotsford police officers accused of using “substantial force” during the arrest of an unhoused Indigenous man in January 2024.

Details of the Arrest

According to the OPCC, Const. John Leivdal and Const. Meghan Hamel stopped the man for jaywalking on Jan. 23, 2024, near shelters and outreach services in Abbotsford. The man, who was carrying a shopping cart and a large stick, allegedly refused to comply when asked to drop the stick. He reportedly told officers he feared they would kill him.

Escalation of Force

Investigators say officers deployed pepper spray, drew a firearm, and delivered multiple punches and kicks before using a Taser twice. The man attempted to flee and struck an officer’s shoulder but was subdued after further force. He sustained head and facial injuries requiring hospitalization. Portions of the incident were captured on CCTV.

Commissioner’s Concerns

Police Complaint Commissioner Prabhu Rajan said the use of force escalated too quickly given that the initial stop was for a minor traffic offence. “To preserve public confidence in policing, there needs to be a full accounting of why substantial force was used instead of de-escalation,” Rajan said. He added the case highlights ongoing concerns over police treatment of Indigenous Peoples.

Public Hearing Process

The hearing will be led by retired judge David Pendleton, who will hear witness testimony and determine whether misconduct occurred. The process, introduced under updated provincial legislation, is intended to provide more timely oversight of police discipline matters. A date for the hearing has not yet been announced.

Response From Abbotsford Police

The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) confirmed it was notified of the hearing but said the officers’ operational status remains unchanged. A spokesperson stated the department would not provide further comment while the matter is before the OPCC.

Legal Outcome for the Man Involved

The OPCC noted the man was criminally charged following the arrest, but the B.C. Prosecution Service later stayed those charges. The public hearing will also examine whether the man himself can be located to give evidence, with investigators stressing a trauma-informed approach.

Broader Implications

The case has sparked wider debate on police use of force in B.C., particularly regarding interactions with vulnerable and Indigenous communities. Rajan said the hearing aims not only to review officer conduct but also to provide lessons on crisis intervention and de-escalation practices.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

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Teen Kidnapped from Abbotsford, Dies Hours Later

Homicide investigators have laid charges against five men in connection with the violent death of a 19-year-old in Abbotsford, B.C., earlier this year. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed the charges Friday, ending a months-long investigation into the fatal incident that shocked two communities.

Victim Found Severely Injured in Crescent Beach

The case began just before 2 a.m. on January 27, when witnesses reported a violent assault in the 2900 block of Victoria Street in Abbotsford. According to IHIT, the victim was seen being forced into a vehicle by a group of men. Approximately three hours later, the young man was found with life-threatening injuries in the Crescent Beach area of Surrey. He later died in hospital.

First-Degree Murder and Confinement Charges Laid

Following a complex investigation involving multiple jurisdictions, IHIT has now charged five individuals. Ravdeep Gill, 21, of Winnipeg; Harmandeep Gill, 26, of Brampton, Ontario; and Surrey residents Jaskaran Singh, 20, and Bipanpreet Singh, 22, have each been charged with first-degree murder and forcible confinement. A fifth suspect, 19-year-old Inderpreet Khosa of Abbotsford, has been charged with forcible confinement.

Investigative Collaboration Across Provinces

IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Timothy Pierotti credited the successful arrests to strong cooperation between local and provincial police forces in B.C., Manitoba, and Ontario. “These arrests represent the dedication of our officers to uncover the truth behind a senseless act of violence,” Pierotti said during a press briefing.

Motive Still Under Investigation

While charges have been filed, investigators have not yet released a clear motive behind the attack. Police say they believe the victim was targeted, but are continuing to piece together the circumstances leading up to the kidnapping and murder. Authorities have not released the name of the deceased, citing privacy concerns.

Legal Proceedings Now Underway

The accused are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. IHIT continues to urge anyone with additional information about the case to contact investigators. The incident has raised renewed concerns about violent crime and interprovincial gang activity in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.

For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.

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