Surrey Mounties have arrested and charged who they believe is a serial bank robber who hit four local banks in January.
On Jan. 17, a Whalley bank was robbed, then on Jan. 21 a Guildford bank, then two days later, another in Whalley and the next day in Cloverdale a bank was hit.
Police believe Surrey's Darrin Andrew Pelland, 30, was responsible for all four robberies.
Police say he was carrying a concealed weapon when he was arrested on Jan. 31.
“Our officers were able to link all four bank robberies based on video surveillance footage and witnesses descriptions and were able to focus in on a single suspect,” said Cpl. Bert Paquet of the Surrey RCMP. ”With the rapid succession of the offences, this arrest undoubtably prevented more robberies from being committed.”
Pelland has been in custody since his arrest and while additional charges are expected, he has been charged with 13 offences so far.
They include five counts of robbery, four counts of disguise with intent, possession contrary to an order, possession of a prohibited firearm and carrying a loaded firearm with ammunition.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP’s Robbery Unit at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if they wish to remain anonymous.