One man is in custody following a violent robbery in Grand Forks.
RCMP Sergeant Darryl Peppler said police arrived on the scene at a gas station in the 1500 block of Central Avenue just after 6:00 pm on Wednesday.
“Upon arrival, the suspect had fled. My members were able to conduct their investigation,” said Sgt. Peppler. “Viewed video surveillance and from that we were able to identify the suspect immediately.”
According to Sgt. Peppler, the suspect had reportedly fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes, not before allegedly assaulting the store clerk on shift. The gas station clerk was treated for his injuries and released the same night. Both night and day shift teams were immediately put on the case.
“Thankfully my day shift members were still on. They assisted the night shift and for the next three hours, they combed the town looking for him, going to a few hot spots. We eventually located the male at around 9:00 pm and arrested him without incident.”
Grand Forks RCMP announced in a media release that 34 year old Jacob Van Brakel, of Grand Forks has now been formally charged by the BC Prosecution Service with robbery, aggravated assault and 2 counts of fail to comply with a release order.
Sgt. Peppler said Brakel was found at the newly-opened warming centre in town. Brakel is currently in custody and awaiting his next bail hearing.
“This was truly an exceptional response done by my frontline officers,” adds Sgt. Peppler. “My dayshift officers stayed on to assist the nightshift and all officers remained engaged from the onset to ensure we located this person immediately.”