Punjab-Origin Vancouver Cop Honoured for Stopping Knife Attacker in Storeਵੈਨਕੂਵਰ ਦੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਮੂਲ ਦੇ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਅਫ਼ਸਰ ਦਾ ਸਨਮਾਨ, ਦੋ ਔਰਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਚਾਕੂਧਾਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਬਚਾਇਆ

A Canadian police officer of Punjabi origin, Constable Opinder Kooner of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), and three colleagues have been honoured with the Chief Constable's Citation for stopping an armed man who had trapped two women inside a downtown convenience store. The Tribune reported the recognition on October 7, 2026.

What happened in Vancouver on December 4, 2024?

According to the VPD's account, officers were sent to a 911 call on the morning of December 4, 2024, reporting that a man had walked into a downtown restaurant and stolen liquor and knives. The responding officers were Constables Opinder Kooner, Riley Nelmes, Brian Rogger and Michael Wu.

When they arrived moments later, the man had moved into a convenience store across the street, where, police said, he stabbed a female employee in the head, back and hand. The injured woman was trapped inside with her attacker and a second employee.

How did the officers respond?

The VPD said the officers entered the store and tried to de-escalate the situation. When that failed, one constable used a conducted energy weapon, which had no effect. As the man began approaching the two women and lunging at them with the knife, another constable fired his weapon and stopped the threat.

The officers then gave both women first aid until medical help arrived. The suspect later died of his injuries, according to the VPD.

What is the Chief Constable's Citation?

The VPD and the Vancouver Police Board recognise officers, civilian staff and members of the public each year for extraordinary and courageous acts in a publication called Beyond the Call. In its 2026 edition, the department said the four constables were awarded the Chief Constable's Citation for their courageous and decisive actions to stop an active deadly threat and save two women from further harm.

The Tribune said the officers were honoured after a detailed investigation of the crime scene and statements from the victims. The incident took place nearly two years before the awards were publicised.

Why does it matter to Punjabis in Canada?

Punjabi-origin officers serve across Canadian police forces, and Kooner's recognition drew coverage in Punjab-focused media because of his roots. Jugti has not independently confirmed details of his family background; the reports describe him as being of Punjabi origin.

The VPD's account describes the actions of the four officers as a team, and credits all of them with making critical decisions under extreme pressure.

Who received the Chief Constable's Citation in the Vancouver store case?

Constables Opinder Kooner, Riley Nelmes, Brian Rogger and Michael Wu of the Vancouver Police Department received the Chief Constable's Citation.

What did the officers stop?

Police said they stopped an armed man who had stabbed a convenience-store employee and was lunging at her and a second employee with a knife. Both women were given first aid at the scene.

Where is the VPD recognition published?

It appears in the VPD's 2026 Beyond the Call commendation awards booklet, which lists the citation and the officers' names.