2 charged after November’s ‘brazen’ Lower Mainland ‘crime spree’

Two men have been charged in relation to a crime spree that shut down much of Metro Vancouver’s highways in November.

Coquitlam RCMP says two 22-year-olds, Kwabena Bosiako of Port Coquitlam and Omar Demetris of New Westminster, have been charged with one count of robbery each, and both remain in custody.

“Additional charges are being considered and assessed in consultation with the BC Prosecution Service, so it’s possible we could see additional charges in the future,” Corp. Alexa Hodgins explained Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Mounties say they are still investigating the Nov. 22 armed robbery at the Journey Chrysler car dealership on Lougheed Highway in Port Coquitlam, which saw shots fired at police officers. It sparked a police chase through Burnaby, Surrey, and beyond.

In November, Coquitlam RCMP Insp. Darren Carr said the “crime spree” was “extremely brazen and violent.”

The suspects and police are said to have shot at each other as a high-speed pursuit unfolded. Shots were fired outside the dealership, and then “onto the roadway.” No officers were hurt in the exchange, though police say it’s unclear if any of the suspects were injured.

Mounties say the suspects then left the scene in a stolen vehicle, crashing it on Highway 1 near the King Edward overpass. The suspects then tried to run, with police arresting one man before he could get away. A second man was later taken into custody.

Two suspects remain at large.

“At the original press conference that we did following this incident, we advised the public that the suspects were dressed from head to toe in dark clothing and they were wearing masks. At this time, officers are following up on all investigative avenues which can include video surveillance backtracking the incident, to determine if we can find a different description to provide the public that might be beneficial in identifying and locating these outstanding suspects,” Hodgins explained.

The hours-long ordeal snarled traffic through multiple communities and forced several SkyTrain stations and bus stops to close during the evening rush.

Police say several people were hurt in the armed robbery prior to the chase, though none of the physical injuries were serious.

There were also “some victims as a result of the carjackings, because one of the suspects was trying numerous vehicles in attempt to escape,” Hodgins said. “Those victims also suffered minor injuries.”

Related Articles:

• Search for two suspects continues after ‘brazen and violent’ Lower Mainland ‘crime spree’

• Police, suspects exchange gunfire in Lower Mainland ‘crime spree’

• Coquihalla police incident not related to Lower Mainland ‘crime spree’: RCMP

Meanwhile, the RCMP is pleading with the two suspects who remain on the run to turn themselves in.

“Our Coquitlam Major Crime unit continues to search for additional evidence to determine the complete circumstances of this robbery as well as the shots fired. We are asking that the individuals outstanding involved in this incident to turn themselves in immediately as our officers continue to follow up on all investigational avenues,” Hodgins said.

It’s unclear if this incident or any of the suspects have any ties to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.

Anyone with information, including witnesses from any of the scenes and who may have video or images of the incidents, to come forward. You can reach the Coquitlam RCMP at 604.945.1550, and quote file number 2022-30931.

-With files from Kurtis Doering