1 year after Surrey shopkeeper set on fire, suspect remains at large

Kalid Yimer, who is wanted for attempted murder in connection with an August 2024 assault on a shopkeeper, is seen in this image handed out by the Surrey Police Service.

One year after a shopkeeper in Surrey was set on fire, the suspect wanted for attempted murder remains at large.

On the afternoon of Aug. 2., 2024, the assailant entered a currency exchange in the 10200 block of City Parkway, poured accelerant on the victim, and set it alight. The shopkeeper was hospitalized with severe burns, but survived the attack.

The suspect stole a white Mini Cooper and fled the scene, which police recovered the following day. About a week later, Mounties identified the suspect as 33-year-old Kalid Yimer.

In an update on the case Friday, the Surrey Police Service said investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the attack, but do not believe it was related to religious or political ideology.

Police asked the public to be on the lookout for Yimer and to call 911 if they see him.

They also said Yimer was known to work day labour jobs before the incident and asked anyone who hires people for odd jobs to become familiar with his appearance.

Authorities believe Yimer is in the Lower Mainland, and he has ties to Toronto and Calgary.

Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call the SPS at 604-599-0502.