New Westminster police arrested two suspects on Tuesday for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Burnaby the day before.
According to police, at around 11:10 a.m. on July 16, a New Westminster patrol officer spotted a stolen GMC Jimmy truck parked in the 400-block of Columbia Street. In the passenger seat of the vehicle was a woman.
The patrol officer called for assistance to keep watch on the truck in case the driver returned. Officers from New Westminster's street crime unit arrived on the scene in plainclothes, and a short while later Air 1, the regional police helicopter, was also dispatched, according to a press release.
As officers were watching the vehicle, the driver returned and proceeded to drive away.
Air 1 continued its surveillance of the stolen vehicle as it made its way through New West and into Burnaby.
It eventually stopped, parking in the 7400-block of Southwynde Avenue, and that's when officers made their move. Police moved in and arrested both occupants of the truck, who were taken into custody without incident, according to the release.
Surrey resident Jesse Michael Sokol, 29, has been charged with theft under $5,000; possession of stolen property under $5,000; and driving while prohibited. He will remain in custody until his court date on July 24 in New Westminster.
"When dealing with stolen vehicles, police officers must constantly weigh the need to apprehend the suspects against the risk presented to the public. Auto theft suspects will often try to avoid apprehension by engaging in vehicle pursuits when they see uniform police officers or marked police vehicles," said Staff Sgt. Paul Hyland in the release.
"These pursuits can be extremely hazardous and place the public, the police and the suspects at increased risk for serious injury."
Charges filed in city stabbing The 23-year-old suspect in a stabbing on July 10 that left one person in serious condition has been officially charged, police say.
"The male suspect in (Wednesday) night's stabbing made an appearance at New Westminster Provincial Court (Thursday, July 11) afternoon and he has now been formally charged," said Staff Sgt. Paul Hyland in an email to The Record. Charges stem from an incident that happened around 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10.
New Westminster police received a call from Surrey RCMP saying a stabbing victim had shown up at the local hospital and, following a short investigation, they determined the incident happened in an apartment in the 400-block of 12th Street in New Westminster.
According to an earlier press release, officers went to the location and found the suspect, who was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect is charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and breach of probation.
The New Westminster major crime unit is still investigating the alleged assault and couldn't comment on the extent of the victim's injuries.
Hyland said, however, the victim is now in serious but stable condition in hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Jeffrey Rene Innes of New Westminster will be back in provincial court on July 24. Until then, he will remain in custody, Hyland added.
Police seeking suspect in thefts New Westminster police are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect wanted on two outstanding warrants.
According to Staff Sgt. Paul Hyland, the suspect is wanted on warrants for both breaking and entering and possession of stolen property.
The suspect allegedly broke into an apartment in the 1100-block of Sixth Avenue in New Westminster on July 1. "We're actively seeking this individual for this break-and-enter," he added.
Hyland said the other warrant stems from a 2012 incident, for which the suspect was charged but failed to appear in court.
Twenty-one-year-old Jesse Ranger Coutlee, of no fixed address, has short black hair, brown eyes, is 6'1" and 160 pounds.
Anyone with information on Coutlee is asked to call the New Westminster watch commander at 604-525-5411 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police are also asking residents to be extra vigilant during the warmer months, ensuring doors and windows are locked and closed when no one is home.
