The trial of a man accused of driving a tractor into a police vehicle during a protest in November of 2023 in Surrey, B.C., has been delayed. Police previously said that Malkiat Singh Bill Shoker, 55, had been driving a large green and yellow tractor along Highway 1 when he collided with a BC Highway Patrol vehicle. 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 say they 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 at the time, a police officer also sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash. Shoker was charged with assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, fleeing from police and dangerous operation of a conveyance. His trial was set to begin in provincial court Monday, however an articling student representing him filed an adjournment application stating that his lawyer was sick and unable to make it. The judge ultimately granted the application. Outside court, Shoker briefly spoke to reporters saying he’s looking forward to his day in court. “I want to get it over with,” he said. Shoker says he plans to plead not guilty to all charges. New trial dates are expected to be set later this week.
