Opinder Kooner and three colleagues receive Chief Constable’s Citation for stopping an armed attacker and protecting two women
A Canadian police officer of Punjabi origin has been honoured alongside three colleagues for their actions in stopping an armed attacker who had taken two women hostage at a Vancouver convenience store.
Constable Opinder Kooner, along with Constables Riley Nelmes, Brian Rogger and Michael Wu, received the Chief Constable’s Citation from the Vancouver Police Department for their response to the life-threatening incident.
The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, when the four officers responded to a 911 call about a man who had reportedly entered a downtown restaurant and stolen liquor and knives.
The suspect then went into a nearby convenience store, where he attacked a female employee with a knife. The woman suffered injuries to her head, back and hand and remained trapped inside the shop with another female employee.
The recognition highlights the contribution of Punjabi-origin Canadians serving in public safety and law enforcement roles across the country
The officers entered the store and initially attempted to resolve the situation through de-escalation. When those efforts failed, one officer deployed a conducted energy weapon, but it was ineffective.
As the suspect moved towards the two women and lunged at them with a knife, another officer fired his weapon, bringing the immediate threat to an end. The suspect later died from his injuries.
The officers then provided first aid to the injured women while waiting for medical assistance.
The Vancouver Police Department said the four officers were recognised after a detailed review of the crime scene and statements from the victims. Their actions were cited for preventing further harm and protecting the two women during what police described as an active deadly threat.
