AN RCMP officer in Surrey is recovering after being stabbed when they were conducting an arrest of a suspect in connection with an alleged vehicle theft.
On October 28, the Surrey RCMP’s Auto and Property Crime Target Team (PACTT) began an investigation into alleged thefts of motor vehicles in Surrey and on November 5, the PACTT officers located a male suspect and his female associate near a U-Haul storage facility located at 186 Street and 96 Avenue.
The pair was arrested and during the arrest the male suspect allegedly attempted to flee and stabbed one of the officers.
The officer sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries and he was transported to hospital where he was treated and released.
The male suspect received minor injuries during the arrest and was transported to hospital where he was treated, released and transported to Surrey RCMP Detachment. The female suspect did not sustain any injuries during the arrest.
28-year-old Donald Smith has been charged with the following offences:
- Assault with a weapon
- Assault causing bodily harm
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
- Failure to comply with condition of release order (two counts)
Tia Appleton, 35, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Smith has been remanded into custody and Appleton has been released on a release order with conditions, both are required to attend court on November 26.
“This is another reminder of the risk our officers face each day to serve and protect the citizens of Surrey. Auto theft continues to be a priority for the Surrey RCMP and our dedicated team of officers who investigate these offences,” said Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer, on Friday.
As this matter is now before the courts, no further details will be released, police said.