Punjabi-origin cop in Canada among 4 Vancouver officers honoured for saving two women from knife attacker

PTC Web Desk: Four Vancouver police officers, including Constable Opinder Kooner, who is of Punjabi origin, have been honoured for stopping an armed man who held two women hostage inside a convenience store in Canada. The man had also stabbed one of the women.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) shared details of the case, which dates back nearly two years. The award was given after a detailed review of the crime scene and statements from the victims.

What happened on December 4, 2024

Constables Opinder Kooner, Riley Nelmes, Brian Rogger and Michael Wu were sent to a downtown restaurant that morning after a 911 call. The caller said a man had walked in and stolen liquor and knives.

By the time the officers reached the area, the suspect had moved to a convenience store across the street. Inside, he stabbed a female employee in the head, back and hand. She was trapped in the store with him, along with another female employee.

Officers walked in to save the women

The four officers went inside and tried to calm the man down and talk him out of violence. That did not work. One constable then used a conducted energy weapon (a stun device), but it had no effect on him.

The suspect then began moving towards the two women and lunged at them with the knife. At that moment, another constable fired his weapon and stopped the threat.

The officers gave first aid to the injured women right away and kept at it until medical help arrived. The suspect later died from his injuries.

Chief constable's citation

For stopping a deadly threat and protecting both women from further harm, the VPD gave all four officers the Chief Constable's Citation. The award went to Constables Opinder Kooner, Riley Nelmes, Brian Rogger and Michael Wu.

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