One of Langley RCMP’s more prolific offenders has been arrested and charged after a somewhat unsuccessful crime spree on April 7.
Police were called around 11:30 a.m. for an armed robbery at the Walnut Grove Market, where a man had entered the store, produced a handgun and demanded cash.
He wasn’t successful in getting any money and was seen fleeing in a white pickup truck, said police. Forty-five minutes later, a second robbery was reported at the Husky in Fort Langley. Once again a handgun was produced, no money was obtained and the suspect was seen fleeing in a white pickup truck, said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy.
A Langley officer spotted the truck northbound in the 7200 block of 200 Street a short time later. It's alleged the vehicle reached speeds in excess of 120km/h and at times veered into oncoming traffic.
The truck was subsequently abandoned north of 80 Avenue on 200 Street. Witnesses nearby told officers they had seen the suspect run west and pointed out his hiding spot in some bushes.
Mitchell Guiel, age 21, of Surrey was arrested and police allege he was responsible for the two robberies. A black replica handgun was recovered from the truck.
Guiel is facing numerous charges, including two counts of robbery. He has been held in custody and will next appear in court on April 13.
Police had help from members from Ridge Meadows RCMP, Integrated Police Dog Services and Emergency Response Team in the apprehension of this dangerous suspect, said Largy.
“This significant arrest was made possible due to a number of fortunate breaks, none of which would have happened without the initial observations of attentive witnesses," said Langley RCMP Supt. Murray Power.
"With the timely and key information being broadcast, a number of alert members teamed up with even more citizens to complete the apprehension with no one being harmed.
"The Langley RCMP thanks our witnesses for their awareness and timely sharing of some critical information. This was a win for everyone. We continue to appreciate the importance of all our citizens and the vital role they play in any successes, especially around dynamic events such as these robberies.”