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Langley man a suspect in home invasion

 

A Langley man is one of two suspects arrested and charged for a violent home invasion in which the thieves pretended to be police officers.

On July 1, 2013, three men broke into a home in the 9800 block of Whalley Boulevard in Surrey, announcing they were the police.

The thieves threatened to shoot one of the residents, and although they never displayed a gun, one of the attackers did beat a victim with a crowbar.

The thieves left with jewelry, cellphones, a laptop and other electronics, leaving behind a victim with substantial injuries, said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Dale Carr.

Images of the suspects were captured on security cameras, and the men were eventually identified. They are believed to be connected to numerous other crimes around the Lower Mainland.

Two men of the three suspects have now been arrested, said Carr.

Joseph Anthony Francis, a 35-year-old Langley man, was arrested June 13 at a Surrey SkyTrain Station. David Fitzpatrick, 30, an Abbotsford man, was arrested at his home there on the same day.

Both men have been charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of assault with a weapon, and break and enter with intent.

Both are now being held in custody.

Carr said charges against a third suspect are pending.

Anyone with more information on the case is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.solvecrime.ca.



Matthew Claxton

About the Author: Matthew Claxton

Raised in Langley, as a journalist today I focus on local politics, crime and homelessness.
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