Crime

Suspended Physician David Edward-Ooi Poon Faces 28 New Criminal Charges Including Sexual Offences Against Minors

Suspended doctor David Edward-Ooi Poon faces 71 total charges, including new allegations of sexual assault and crimes against minors across three provinces.

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Escalating Legal Battle for Multi-Province Physician

David Edward-Ooi Poon, a suspended physician who previously held public health and psychotherapy roles across three Canadian provinces, is facing a significant escalation in criminal charges. Authorities in Toronto announced 28 new counts on Tuesday, bringing the total number of criminal charges against the doctor to 71. The new allegations span more than 15 years, tracing back to 2009 when Poon was a medical student at the University of Alberta. The scope of the investigation now covers alleged offences in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, involving at least 13 newly identified victims.

Details of the New Allegations

The updated charge sheet includes a harrowing array of offences. Among the 28 new counts are seven counts of sexual assault, fifteen counts of voyeurism, and two counts related to the possession and access of child sexual abuse material. Most notably, the new charges include three counts of sexual interference involving the alleged sexual touching of three minors under the age of 16 during a single day in September 2024. Furthermore, police have documented a charge of mischief involving the willful interference with a woman’s clothing between 2022 and 2023.

Professional Ramifications and Regulatory Response

Despite the severity of the allegations, medical regulatory bodies in both Ontario and Saskatchewan have stated there is currently no evidence suggesting the crimes were committed within the context of his medical practice. Poon’s work in northern Saskatchewan was largely virtual, focusing on communicable diseases and mental health for Indigenous communities. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan has already suspended his license, with senior counsel Bryan Salte noting that a conviction could lead to a permanent revocation. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has similarly maintained his suspension while declining further comment due to confidentiality.

A Lengthy Legal Process Ahead

The investigation into Poon reportedly began after a tip from Google regarding suspected child sexual abuse material uploaded to a cloud storage account. Legal experts suggest the complexity of the case, given the number of victims and the geographic spread of the allegations, will result in a prolonged court process. David Butt, a former sex-crimes prosecutor, noted that if convicted, Poon could face a ‘dangerous offender’ designation, which carries the possibility of indeterminate custody. Poon remains in custody and is scheduled for a video court appearance in Toronto as the Crown continues to disclose evidence to his defense team.

Crime

Victim Identified in Fatal Surrey Shooting: IHIT Probes Potential Links to Organized Crime

IHIT identifies 18-year-old Gaurav Deol as the victim of a targeted shooting in Surrey. Investigators are probing potential links to organized crime.

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Investigation Continues Into Fatal Surrey Shooting

Homicide investigators have officially identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred in Surrey, B.C., late last month. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed that 18-year-old Gaurav Deol was the young man discovered dead inside a vehicle in the early hours of May 31. The incident took place near 138 Street and 62 Avenue, where police found a vehicle that had crashed into a power pole following the gunfire.

A Targeted Attack and a Grieving Family

Despite the violent nature of the crime, IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong emphasized that Deol had no prior criminal record. Police believe the attack was targeted, though they are still working to determine the exact motive behind the killing. Sgt. Fong noted that while Deol himself was not a known criminal, investigators have uncovered evidence that he had recent contacts with individuals associated with organized crime. This connection is currently a primary focus of the ongoing investigation.

Evidence and Escalating Violence

A white Toyota SUV was found engulfed in flames shortly after the shooting in a nearby area. Investigators have successfully linked the burned-out vehicle to the homicide, a common tactic used in gang-related killings to destroy forensic evidence. This latest tragedy marks the 13th homicide in Surrey this year, highlighting a concerning trend of violence in the region. Police are currently working closely with the Deol family as they piece together the 18-year-old’s activities in the days leading up to his death.

Call for Public Assistance

As the probe continues, IHIT is urging anyone with dashcam footage or information about the white Toyota SUV or Gaurav Deol’s recent movements to come forward. The goal is to establish a clear timeline of his lifestyle and social circles to identify those responsible for the targeted hit. For now, a family is left mourning a life cut short, while the community grapples with the persistent threat of organized crime-related violence.

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Crime

Actor Nick Pasqual Sentenced to 32 Years to Life Following Brutal Stabbing of Former Partner

Actor Nick Pasqual receives 32 years to life for the attempted murder of makeup artist Allie Shehorn in a brutal 2024 domestic violence attack.

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Justice Served in Horrific Domestic Violence Case

In a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday, actor Nick Pasqual was sentenced to 32 years to life in state prison for the attempted murder of his former girlfriend, Allie Shehorn. Pasqual, whose credits include a small role on the hit sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” was convicted last month on multiple counts, including residential burglary and attempted murder, following a violent incident that shocked the entertainment community in May 2024.

Details of the Sunland Attack

The sentencing follows a harrowing trial that detailed the early morning hours of the attack. Prosecutors established that Pasqual broke into Shehorn’s home in Sunland, California, where he proceeded to stab her more than 20 times. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries to her neck, chest, back, abdomen, and limbs. Following the assault, Pasqual attempted to flee the jurisdiction, heading toward the U.S.-Mexico border before being intercepted by law enforcement and taken into custody.

The Long Road to Recovery for Allie Shehorn

Allie Shehorn, an accomplished Hollywood makeup artist, survived the ordeal only through emergency surgery and prolonged intensive medical care. Despite her survival, Shehorn testified regarding the permanent physical damage and profound emotional trauma she continues to endure. The financial burden of her extensive medical treatments and rehabilitation has also become a significant hurdle in her journey back to health. Her resilience throughout the legal process has been noted by supporters and the court alike.

A Severe Sentence for Violent Crimes

The judge’s decision to impose a sentence of 32 years to life reflects the severity of the charges and the extreme brutality of the assault. By finding him guilty of attempted murder and residential burglary, the jury underscored the premeditated nature of the crime. Legal experts suggest that the lengthy sentence serves as a stark message regarding the legal consequences of domestic violence and aggravated assault, bringing a sense of closure to a case that has dominated headlines for months.

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Crime

Major Breakthrough in B.C. Extortion Crackdown: 22-Year-Old Faces 13 Charges Following Crime Spree

A 22-year-old man faces 13 charges including arson and extortion after a joint police investigation links him to violent incidents in Surrey and Abbotsford.

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Joint Investigation Links Surrey and Abbotsford Violent Incidents

In a significant development for British Columbia’s ongoing battle against organized extortion, a 22-year-old man is facing a slew of serious charges following a multi-jurisdictional investigation. Gursewak Singh has been charged with more than a dozen offenses, including arson, extortion, and various weapons charges, in connection with a series of violent events that rocked Surrey and Abbotsford in late 2025.

The investigation reached a turning point when the Surrey Police Service (SPS) and the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) combined their forensic resources. Authorities say Singh was initially apprehended following a shooting at a business near King and Townline roads in Abbotsford on December 17. Subsequent investigations by the SPS Organized Crime Unit and AbbyPD’s Extortion Task Force linked Singh to two additional violent incidents that occurred in Surrey just days prior.

A Trail of Fire and Gunfire

The timeline of violence began on the morning of December 14, 2025, when gunfire was directed at a business near 120th Street and 80th Avenue in Surrey. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Only 24 hours later, emergency crews were called to a parking lot on Old Yale Road, where two vehicles had been intentionally set ablaze. Police confirmed that both targeted businesses had previously received extortion threats.

“Our organized crime unit reached out based on information disseminated by Abbotsford,” said SPS spokesperson Sgt. Ali Gailus. “Through those discussions and various forensic avenues, they were able to determine this individual was responsible for all three incidents.” Despite the severity of the charges, Gailus noted that Singh did not have a prior criminal record and was not previously known to local law enforcement.

Broader Trends in Regional Extortion

This arrest comes amid a surge in extortion-related crimes across the Lower Mainland. Recent data from the Surrey Police Service revealed 98 reported extortion incidents in the city as of May 2024, with 16 cases involving the use of firearms. While the RCMP has noted a slight overall decrease in these activities due to the efforts of the B.C. Extortion Task Force, the case against Singh underscores the persistent threat posed to local business owners.

Singh remains in custody and is scheduled for a court appearance this Friday. As the investigation continues, authorities are working with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding Singh’s status in the country, though the agency has declined to comment citing privacy regulations.

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