Surrey police are currently investigating a violent incident that occurred at a restaurant in the Sullivan Heights neighborhood, captured on camera. The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at Donair Affair on 144 Street and 64 Avenue, near Sullivan Heights Secondary School. A disturbing cell phone video circulating on social media depicts a man seated at a table in the restaurant, suddenly struck in the head with a chair and then assaulted with multiple punches.
According to Surrey Police Service spokesperson Ian MacDonald, the video clearly shows the victim suffering apparent injuries from the attack. He stated that prior to the video, there were events leading up to the altercation that also need to be examined comprehensively. Investigators believe that there was some form of exchange between the victim, an adult, and a youth before the violent outburst.
The victim sustained a black eye and a bruised face as a result of the assault. MacDonald mentioned that police have interviewed several youths present at the scene, including those directly involved in the incident and their parents. While it remains unconfirmed whether the youths were students at Sullivan Heights, authorities are collaborating with the school district in their investigation.
In response to the incident, the school district issued a statement emphasizing the safety and well-being of their students and community as a top priority. They expressed support for the police investigation and highlighted their commitment to not tolerate any form of violence. Students familiar with the Donair restaurant described it as a popular lunch spot for the school community and expressed shock over the atypical display of violence.
Grade 11 students at Sullivan Heights, Alphonso Barrite, and Krishan Dhanda, both condemned the incident as unacceptable and urged for a stance against such behavior. The district vowed to work with affected students and families in the aftermath of the violence. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to establish a clearer picture of the events leading up to the attack, emphasizing the serious nature of the incident and the need for swift action to address the issue.