Police recover over $500,000 in stolen hydro equipment along with a stolen van in dynamic arrest

Coquitlam, Information Wanted

2024-08-22 13:08 PDT

File # 2024-21269

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. Coquitlam RCMP received a report of a business break and enter that had occurred overnight in Port Coquitlam, resulting in the theft of over $500,000.00 worth of hydroelectric equipment. Shortly before 11:00 a.m. the same day, Coquitlam RCMP received a report of a stolen yellow 2012 Ford Eco Van from a different business in Port Coquitlam. The complainant was able to provide GPS coordinates for the stolen vehicle to the police, indicating that it was now in Mission.

View a larger image - Yellow 2012 Ford Eco Van

Coquitlam RCMP’s property crime team, known as Strike Force, quickly attended and located the vehicle driving on a Forest Service Road in Mission. Police noted that the vehicle had since been painted grey.

View a larger image - The back of the rammed RCMP police vehicle

Coquitlam RCMP’s Strike Force with the assistance of Mission RCMP and Integrated Police Dog Services (I-PDS) attempted to stop the vehicle, when it allegedly rammed an unoccupied marked Mission RCMP vehicle. The vehicle allegedly continued to flee the scene, losing one of its tires and continuing on the rim for a short distance.

Police stopped the vehicle, apprehending both the driver and passenger.

View a larger photo - Recovered 2012 Ford Eco Van painted grey

We would like to thank both of the complainants for their prompt crime reporting, said Media Relations Officer, Corporal Alexa Hodgins. This was a dynamic and fluid event with the suspect allegedly attempting to flee and harm responding police officers. We are very thankful that no one was seriously injured as there was an increased concern to public safety.

On Thursday, August 15, 2024 charges were laid against 40-year-old, Brian McDonald for:

• One count of possession of stolen property contrary to Section 355 of the Criminal Code
• One count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle contrary to Section 320.13 (1) of the Criminal Code
• One count of breaking and entering contrary to Section 348 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code
• One count of flight from peace officer contrary to Section 320.17 of the Criminal Code
• One count of prohibited driving contrary to Section 102 of the Motor Vehicle Act

Brian McDonald remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

An adult female was released on conditions.

The file remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2024-21269.

Released by:

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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