RIDGE Meadows RCMP announced on Thursday that they have arrested an armed robbery suspect this week following a comprehensive investigation into a three-day crime spree that occurred last weekend in Maple Ridge and Langley.
Between December 5 and 7, Ridge Meadows RCMP and Langley RCMP received six separate reports of robbery believed to have been committed by the same suspect. Four of the incidents occurred in Maple Ridge and two in Langley.
In each instance, the suspect’s description and methods were very similar. This included multiple businesses and their staff and customers being targeted and a firearm being present. None of the victims involved sustained any physical injuries.
Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Street Enforcement Unit (SEU) took conduct of the investigation and with the assistance of Langley RCMP, and the BC RCMP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Air Services, safely arrested the suspect in Langley on the morning of Tuesday, December 9. A search warrant executed on the suspect’s residence in Langley also yielded additional evidence.
The twenty-four-year-old male suspect is currently remanded in custody pending his next court appearance. Officers are currently completing numerous investigative steps including processing exhibits and writing a detailed report to Crown counsel.
As this is still an active investigation, no further information will be released at this time, police said.
“The quick actions of our officers, in coordination with Langley RCMP and our integrated policing partners, resulted in a swift and successful arrest of this suspect,” says Ridge Meadows RCMP SEU Sgt. Trevor Hanson. “While we’re thankful no one was injured, these types of incidents can often be unsettling for victims and witnesses. We appreciate the public’s assistance in reporting these crimes and being our partners in community safety.”
With the holiday season quickly approaching, Ridge Meadows RCMP reminds the public to review seasonal safety tips to ensure your personal safety and to protect your property in order to have a merrier holiday season.
