IN the early hours of August 17, New Westminster Police received credible information that a resident had been kidnapped. The Major Crime Unit took conduct of the investigation, receiving extensive support from internal specialty units and numerous police agencies throughout the region including the RCMP, Vancouver Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC and the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team. Within 24 hours the victim was located and transported to hospital for medical care.

Detectives are now asking witnesses to come forward who may have seen suspicious activity in the 500-block of Front Street on the evening of August 16. If you saw anything suspicious from that evening and you haven’t spoken to police about what you saw you can call the Major Crime Unit at 604-529-2430 or send an email to mcucrimetips@nwpolice.org.

Two suspects have been arrested and charged.

Richard Favel, 38, has been charged with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and assault.

Jess Heerema, 45, of Vancouver has been charged with uttering threats and assault with a weapon.

“We were deeply worried about this person’s safety,” said Sgt. Sergeant Andrew. “Time is of the essence in kidnapping investigations, and thanks to the hard work and expertise of numerous police teams, we were able to find the victim and arrest the suspects.”

“These types of investigations require significant staffing and financial resourcing in very short time frames,” said Acting Chief Constable Paul Hyland. “I’m very proud of the great work by our investigators and support staff, and also very appreciative of the remarkable support we received from our policing partners.”

Both suspects remain in custody as investigators continue gathering evidence which may lead to further charges.