Surrey RCMP has forwarded criminal charges to the BC Prosecution Service in connection with the death of a Port Moody pastor killed in a fiery crash near the Peace Arch border crossing last year.
The deadly crash occurred May 2, 2019, when a Porsche Cayenne slammed into the back of pastor Tom Cheung’s Toyota van, sending both vehicles into the bushes just 300 metres from the Canada-U.S. border.
The collision set off a fire in Cheung’s vehicle and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Porsche was taken to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
A spokesperson from Surrey RCMP confirmed charges had been recommended and forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service, but until they are approved, police would not reveal the nature of the charges.
“The investigation is at this point where charges have been approved but our investigation still continues,” said Cpl. Joanie Sidhu, adding the “complex investigation” has involved the detachment’s Criminal Collision Investigation Team, front-line officers and its forensic laboratories.
Peace Arch border crossing shut down in both directions due to accident caused by speeding SUV which hit multiple cars. Driver under arrest, bald male escorted by police taken by ambulance. No word on other injuries or occupats of van. #wsdot_traffic #globalbc pic.twitter.com/zaZObzDWpm
— vick grewal (@VickGrewal) May 2, 2019
Cheung was the lead pastor at Port Moody’s Pacific Grace MB Church, a nearly 300-person Cantonese congregation which gathers at 2622 St Johns Street.
The pastor had worked in ministries across Venezuela, Mexico and China, and was beloved by his congregation, said spokesperson for the church Peter Teh at the time.
“Many people are asking why. We’re angry. So far, there are so many unknowns,” Teh told the Tri-City News in the wake of the pastor's death.
In addition to his work at the church, Cheung was the sole breadwinner for his wife and three children. Following his death, a GoFundMe page was set up to help the family support its basic costs of living and education — to date, it has raised over $140,000.
