Wednesday September 9, 2015 (Vol. 40 No. 72)
V O I C E
O F
W H I T E
R O C K
A N D
S O U T H
Expanded reach: The White Rock South Surrey Newcomers Club is looking for new members, and has expanded its reach to include women who’ve undergone significant life changes. i see page 11
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Langley man, 42 not previously known to police
Arrest in ‘repulsive’ attack on senior A Langley man was arrested Friday in connection with a brutal assault of a South Surrey senior in her own home last month. Surrey RCMP are recommending several charges, including aggravated sexual assault, forcible confinement, break-and-enter, robbery with a firearm and disguise with intent. According to a news release issued Friday evening, the accused is not previously known to police.
Stephen Thomas Morse, 42, was to appear before Judicial Justice of the Peace in Surrey RCMP cells. “On behalf of the Surrey RCMP I would like to thank the victim, her family, and the entire community for their tremendous support and assistance in advancing this investigation,” Chief Supt. Bill Fordy, said in the release. “This type of crime is repulsive and I’d like to also acknowledge the men and
women that work at this detachment who worked relentlessly to advance this important investigation.” The “incomprehensible” incident occurred in a Grandview-area home Aug. 12, when a man entered the residence, presented a weapon and restrained the 70-year-old resident. The intruder demanded cash and other items, but when the woman wouldn’t com-
ply, he physically and sexually assaulted her, causing significant injuries, then fled. Police issued a warning to the community early the next morning, followed by photos of a suspect using an ATM in Brookswood on the afternoon of the assault. A few days later, the victim told Peace Arch News by email that she was getting “stronger every day.” i see page 2
Inconsistencies cited
Child assault acquittal
Gary Hanney photo
A shed suspected of housing a drug lab went up in flames on a rural property across the street from Morgan Creek homes Monday morning.
‘Extremely hazardous’ cooking materials found by fire crew
Suspected drug fire spurs evacuation Melissa Smalley Staff Reporter
South Surrey residents and farm workers were evacuated Monday morning after a suspected drug lab just north of Morgan Creek residential area went up in flames. Surrey RCMP’s Drug Section Unit, Surrey Fire Services and the ‘E’ Division Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team were on the scene in the 15700-block of 40 Avenue for more than 24 hours, after a blaze was reported shortly after 9 a.m. Monday.
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Acting RCMP Insp. Keith Bramhill told Peace Arch News a shed on the rural property was fully engulfed in flames when RCMP arrived. When the fire was contained, Bramhill said, chemicals consistent with a drug lab were found on the property, and the area was cordoned off. No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze and no one was found in any of the buildings on the property, Bramhill said. “There is evidence from the Surrey Fire Department that there are clandestine materi-
als and cooking materials on the premises that are extremely hazardous,” Bramhill said, noting adjacent residents and farm workers had been evacuated as a safety precaution. By mid-afternoon Monday, firefighters were still working to fully extinguish the flame, which Bramhill said had “reignited itself ” at least two times. Traffic along 40 Avenue was blocked for several hours between 156 and 160 streets. Early Tuesday morning, the RCMP’s portable ‘clandestine lab’ was still on scene.
A man accused of groping a 12-year-old White Rock boy has been acquitted of all charges in connection with the February 2014 incident. Alex Ejsmont – who defended Robert James Antoniak – shared the ruling with Peace Arch News shortly after the court proceedings wrapped up Thursday afternoon. “My client waited a year of his life to have his day in court,” Ejsmont said by email. “Thankfully justice was served.” Prosecutor Adam Jantunen said Judge Melissa Gillespie made the decision after finding that Crown “had not proven the offences charged beyond a reasonable doubt.” She cited “inconsistencies between the complainant’s evidence in court and his statements to police,” Jantunen said. Antoniak was charged after the boy, who is now 14, alleged his “private parts” were groped through a blanket by a visitor at his White Rock home. The boy’s father told PAN Friday morning that he was “really disappointed” with the verdict. “I don’t know how I’m going to tell (my son).” – Tracy Holmes
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Map and info at www.peninsulaarttour.com Special thanks
19 A R T I S T S - 1 1 LO C AT I O N S to our sponsor
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