A Langley RCMP officer wants to offer a “heartfelt thank you” to several Good Samaritans who helped him detain an unco-operative teenager fighting off an arrest on Saturday.
“The officer really wanted to offer a sincere thank you to these citizens, but they were gone before he could,” said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Marks.
A 16-year-old Surrey boy was arrested after a foot chase through downtown Langley and a scuffle on the sidewalk where the two community-minded citizens helped the officer complete the arrest, said Marks.
The young suspect was first spotted near the Greyhound bus depot at around 3 p.m. The officer knew the suspect had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and when he turned around to approach the suspect, the chase was on.
The young man ran through the Logan bus loop and even temporarily took refuge in a bus waiting to leave.
Another officer recognized him on the bus, forcing the young man to resume his flight across the Value Village parking lot, through Salt Lane and onto Fraser Highway.
At this point the officer tackled the runner and a fight ensued, with the suspect trying to break free.
Several civilians came to the aide of the officer. At least two of them helped to control the suspect’s hands so the officer was able to get the handcuffs secured.
Back-up arrived and took custody of the suspect.
“Throughout my 25 years of policing, I find the public is always willing to come to the assistance of the police when asked and in this case, even when not asked,” said Langley RCMP Insp. Amrik Virk.
“On behalf of Langley Detachment, myself and the arresting officer, I would like to publicly thank them for their help in dealing with this aggressive, fighting suspect.
“We are very happy to have him off the street.”
Police are considering charges against the young man.