Tuesday, January 20, 2026
ADVT 
National

Charges laid for fire that razed Coptic Orthodox Church, 35 year old woman arrested

Darpan News Desk Surrey RCMP, 30 Aug, 2021 02:10 PM
  • Charges laid for fire that razed Coptic Orthodox Church, 35 year old woman arrested

Surrey RCMP is updating the public on the investigation into a fire that destroyed the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, in Whalley.

The St. George church was the target of two incidents of arson, the first on July 14, the second on July 19, 2021, that destroyed the church. 

Following an investigation by the Surrey RCMP Major Crime Section, a 35-year old woman was arrested on August 26, 2021.

Kathleen Panek of no fixed address has now been charged with two counts of arson in connection with the incidents on July 14, and July 19, 2021.

“The loss of the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church has had a significant impact on members of that congregation and the greater community,” says Sergeant Elenore Sturko. “We hope that this announcement of an arrest and charges will bring some comfort to those who were impacted.”

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Consequences for unvaxxed federal workers: Trudeau

Consequences for unvaxxed federal workers: Trudeau
Justin Trudeau is coming out firing today against public servants who can get vaccinated and choose not to, telling them they'll face "consequences" for their decision. What those consequences are, the Liberal leader won't say.

Consequences for unvaxxed federal workers: Trudeau

Showers slow B.C. wildfires but threat remains

Showers slow B.C. wildfires but threat remains
The Regional District of Central Okanagan says it plans to contact individual property owners through the day to inform them about the state of their homes along the northwest side of Okanagan Lake.

Showers slow B.C. wildfires but threat remains

Meng defence expected to tackle reputational risk

Meng defence expected to tackle reputational risk
Meng was arrested at Vancouver's airport in 2018 at the request of the United States, where she is wanted on fraud charges that both she and Huawei deny.     

Meng defence expected to tackle reputational risk

Use of racial slurs and pepper spray in North Burnaby stabbing involving teenager: Burnaby RCMP

Use of racial slurs and pepper spray in North Burnaby stabbing involving teenager: Burnaby RCMP
It’s believed dozens of young people had been partying in an outdoor area when a confrontation occurred between several people, possibly involving pepper spray and the use of racial slurs, before the stabbing happened.

Use of racial slurs and pepper spray in North Burnaby stabbing involving teenager: Burnaby RCMP

Punjabi trucker held for smuggling 83 kg cocaine into Canada

Punjabi trucker held for smuggling 83 kg cocaine into Canada
Gurdeep Singh Mangat, 46, from the Punjabi-dominated city of Brampton in Toronto suburbs was arrested when he drove his commercial truck into Canada at the Blue Water Bridge entry point from the US.

Punjabi trucker held for smuggling 83 kg cocaine into Canada

Insurance claims skyrocket as disasters intensify

Insurance claims skyrocket as disasters intensify
The average annual cost of claims for property damage or losses due to severe weather has more than quadrupled over the last decade to about $2 billion, said Craig Stewart, the bureau's vice-president of federal affairs.

Insurance claims skyrocket as disasters intensify