New Westminster – On the evening of April 25th New Westminster Police Department officers learned that a New Westminster resident had been kidnapped. The New Westminster Police Department Major Crime Unit took conduct of the investigation, receiving extensive support from internal specialty units and numerous police agencies throughout the region including: the RCMP, Vancouver Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team. Based on evidence obtained during this rapidly unfolding investigation, two armed suspects were intercepted by police leading to the safe rescue of the hostage.
40 year old Kyle Clark Dimond of Kamloops has been charged with the following:
Kidnapping contrary to section 279(1.1)(b) of the Criminal Code;
Forcible confinement contrary to section 279(2) of the Criminal Code;
Assault with a weapon contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code; and,
Use of an imitation firearm, contrary to Section 85(2) Criminal Code of Canada.
42 year old Marc Kevin Valcourt of Vernon has been charged with the following:
Kidnapping contrary to section 279(1.1)(b) of the Criminal Code;
Forcible confinement contrary to section 279(2) of the Criminal Code; and,
Use of an imitation firearm, contrary to Section 85(2) Criminal Code of Canada.
“Investigators were extremely concerned for the well-being of this individual,” stated Sergeant Andrew Leaver, “The safe rescue of the hostage and arrests of the suspects is in no doubt thanks to dedicated teams of skilled police officers.”
“These investigations are very resource intensive,” stated Deputy Chief Constable Paul Hyland, “So I am very appreciative of the excellent work done by our investigators, and the amazing support we received from our policing partners”.
Both suspects remain in custody as investigators continue gathering evidence. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Major Crime Unit by calling 604-529-2430, or email at mcucrimetips@nwpolice.org.
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CONTACT PERSON: Sergeant Andrew Leaver
EMAIL: communications@nwpolice.org