Chilliwack farmer facing multiple charges after crashing tractor into police vehicle

One person was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment after police tried to stop a tractor from driving on Highway 1 during a protest in Nov. 2023.

A Chilliwack man has been charged with multiple criminal counts in connection to an incident involving a tractor being driven dangerously during a protest last year.

Police say Malkiat Singh Bill Shoker, 54, had been driving a large green and yellow tractor along Highway 1 when he collided with a BC Highway Patrol vehicle in November last year.

The farmer had been leading a protest opposing SOGI 123, an educational program designed to provide educators with the resources to foster an inclusive environment when speaking about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Mounties were attempting to pull the tractor over when the crash occurred, causing the vehicle to roll over and the driver to be sent to hospital with serious injuries.

According to a release issued by BC Highway Patrol Monday, a police officer also received minor injuries as a result of the crash.

Shoker was arrested Dec. 18 and has been charged with dangerous operation of a conveyance, flight while pursued by a peace officer, and assaulting a police officer with a weapon, the release said.

He is due to appear in court Jan. 16.