A 24-year-old man has been arrested following an armed robbery crime spree last weekend in Maple Ridge and Langley.
Police received six separate reports of robbery between Friday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 7 – all believed to have been committed by the same suspect.
Four of the incidents occurred in Maple Ridge and two happened in Langley and in each the description of the suspect and the methods used were very similar.
Multiple businesses were targeted along with their staff and customers, with a firearm present.
Police say none of the victims were harmed physically.
The suspect was arrested in Langley on morning of Tuesday, Dec. 9, by the Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Street Enforcement Unit, (SEU), who took control of the investigation, with the assistance of Langley RCMP, the BC RCMP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Air Services.
Additional evidence was obtained following the execution of a search warrant on the suspect’s residence in Langley.
Officers are still processing exhibits and are writing a detailed report to crown counsel.
The suspect is currently remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.
“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,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP SEU Sergeant 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,” he added, noting that as this is still an active investigation, no further information will be released at this time.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, Ridge Meadows RCMP is reminding the public to review seasonal safety tips to ensure your personal safety and to protect your property in order to have a merrier holidays.