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Pair of Surrey RCMP's 'most wanted' auto crime offenders arrested

Matthew Soper and Alexander Jelasco in custody, two other men still at large.
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While Matthew Soper and Alexander Jelasco (top row) have been arrested

Two of four men named by Surrey RCMP last week as their "most wanted" car thief suspects are now in custody.

Matthew Sidney Soper, 29, and Alexander Rene Jelasco, 18, were arrested this week.

Two other men, 44-year-old Richard James Mantler and Zak David Haight, 28, remain at large.

Police say all four have a history of suspected auto-related offences and have outstanding warrants for their arrest.

Soper was wanted for breach of probation, possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving while prohibited and identity theft.

Jelasco was wanted for two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of break-and-enter tools, possession of a weapon and breach of undertaking.

On Tuesday (May 5), Jelasco commented on The Leader's website, saying, "Pretty funny that I one of those guys haha."

On Wednesday, he posted on his Facebook page that he planned to turn himself in on Monday, estimating he'd be in jail until November or December.

"F**k it's gunna suck being locked up for months ... At lest it ain't years .. Do your time don't let time do you," he wrote.

Police arrested Jelasco Wednesday night.

Mantler is wanted for two counts of breach of undertaking, breach of probation and assault. Haight is wanted for obstructing a police officer, driving while prohibited and driving while suspended.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Mantler or Haight are asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or go to www.solvecrime.ca

- with files from Kevin Diakiw