AN alleged suspect has been arrested by the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT), following a robbery at a convenience store in the 7100-block of 200th Street in Langley on Thursday, April 7.

At approximately 4:29 a.m. on April 7, the convenience store was robbed by a lone male suspect allegedly brandishing a machete. Shortly thereafter members of IMPACT arrested 35-year-old Derek Muirhead at a property in the 24100-block of 52 Avenue in Langley. The property was subsequently searched by IMPACT members and several items were seized, including the vehicle allegedly used in the robbery. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Abbotsford on April 6.

“We know that stolen vehicles are often used to commit other offences,” said Inspector Rob Vermeulen, Officer-in-Charge of IMPACT. “Our members were aware of several multi-jurisdictional robberies that have occurred at various liquor stores and convenience stores throughout the Lower Mainland using stolen vehicles. While the investigation resulted in this arrest, our investigation remains ongoing.”

IMPACT thanked the Abbotsford Police Department, the Lower Mainland District Police Dog Service and the Langley RCMP Detachment for assisting at various times in the investigation.

Muirhead is currently facing the following charges:
– Robbery
– Possession of stolen property (under $ 5,000)
– Break-and-enter
– Fail to comply with probation order

He is due to appear again in Surrey Provincial Court later this week for a bail hearing.