VPD seeks suspect in eight robberies, including one in Burnaby
The Vancouver Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect believed responsible for eight brazen robberies, including one in Burnaby.
VPD is working with West Vancouver Police and Burnaby and North Vancouver RCMP on the case, in which a suspect targets local grocery stores.
The Choices Market on 10th Avenue in Burnaby was robbed Oct. 26, before a second Choices, on W. 57th Avenue in Vancouver, was robbed with a gun on Nov. 17.
The man is suspected of robbing a Safeway in West Vancouver on March 31, during which a handgun was produced. On April 14, the suspect used a gun to rob a Supervalu in North Vancouver, and then a grocery store on Lonsdale Avenue on May 6.
That was followed by two Vancouver robberies, at an Extra Foods on May 12, and an IGA Marketplace on West 41st Avenue on Oct. 11.
The most recent incident was Dec. 1, when a North Vancouver Toys 'r' Us filled with holiday shoppers was robbed at gunpoint.
“The level of violence in these robberies appears to be escalating,” said Det. Const. Joe Danieli of the VPD General Investigative Unit in a press release. “We are concerned for the safety of the public and want to see this man arrested before someone gets hurt.”
The suspect is described as a white male, 60 years old, five-foot-10-inches tall, with heavy build and short grey hair. During the robberies, he was wearing a baseball cap and dark sunglasses and was seen driving a black 2006 to 2010 Ford Explorer with black wheels.
Anyone who sees this man or vehicle, is asked not to approach him and call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information about these incidents who has not spoken to police is asked to call the Vancouver Police General Investigative Unit at 604-717-3200 or, to remain anonymous, CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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