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Charges recommended 19 months after fiery crash at South Surrey border

May 2019 collision killed Port Moody pastor Tom Cheung
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Port Moody Rev. Tom Cheung died in the May 2, 2019 crash at the Douglas border in South Surrey. (GoFundMe photo)

One year and seven months after a fiery crash at the Douglas border killed a Port Moody pastor, Surrey RCMP confirms investigators have recommended charges.

READ MORE: UPDATE: One man dead after fiery crash at Peace Arch border crossing

A spokesperson for the Mounties said Monday (Dec. 21) that a report regarding the May 2019 tragedy has been forwarded to the B.C. Prosecution Service for charge approval.

However, Cpl. Joanie Sidhu said she could not share what charges have been recommended, or when approval, if any, will be given.

“We’ve recommended charges. Now, it’s in the hands of the B.C. Prosecution Service,” Sidhu said.

Rev. Tom Cheung, a father of three and lead pastor of Pacific Grace MB Church, died at around 11:30 a.m. on May 2, 2019 when a Porsche Cayenne SUV collided with a Toyota Sienna van in the northbound lanes of the approach to the Canada Border Services Agency booths.

The impact sent both vehicles into a garden area located in the median between the north- and southbound lanes, where the van then burst into flames.

Witnesses reported hearing several explosions; a Washington State man was arrested at the scene.

No further information regarding the arrested man has been disclosed.

One year after the crash, Cpl. Elenore Sturko said the collision “led to a complex investigation requiring significant evidence collection.”

“The submission will be detailed and will provide prosecutors with the information they need to determine if charges will be approved.”



tholmes@peacearchnews.com
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Two vehicles caught fire at the Douglas/Peace Arch border on May 2, 2019, killing a Port Moody pastor. Surrey RCMP confirmed Monday (Dec. 21) that they have recommended charges. (Brendan Payne video screenshot)
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Two vehicles caught fire at the Douglas/Peace Arch border following a collision on May 2, 2019. (File photo)


Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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