A crime spree in November 2023 that stretched from Kamloops to Hope was eventually resolved due to the “leadership and valour” of Hope RCMP officers.
But leading up to that point, two men caused “chaos” in a string of armed robberies and confrontations, including endangering a Hope senior who has dementia and hearing loss.
Last Wednesday (March 13), several officers involved in the capture of the two suspects were commended at the 14th annual Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment’s Officer in Charge Awards Ceremony, held at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
Insp. Darren Pankratz gave a brief recap of that day’s “harrowing sequence of events” that began in Kamloops, with two suspects in a stolen vehicle attempting armed robberies at three gas stations “in a desperate attempt to acquire fuel.”
The duo eluded police in Kamloops and sped toward Hope, where officers were quick to surveil the highway and deploy a spike belt to stop the vehicle.
One of the suspects was arrested immediately without resistance, while the other ran away.
That suspect “resorted to increasingly reckless actions,” Pankratz explained. “He attempted to force entry into a residence, brandishing a firearm at the occupants before committing another armed robbery in a different location.”
From there, he said, the suspect escaped into a wooded area and even tried to take control of an officer’s cruiser. That officer used evasive driving tactics to keep himself safe from a suspect who was becoming “desperate and dangerous.”
The suspect ended up seeking refuge at a retirement home in Hope, which became a “critical point” in the events. The suspect put a woman with dementia and hearing loss in danger, Pankratz said, and that escalation of danger brought out the Emergency Response Team.
Following the arrest of the second suspect, the thorough work of two more officers meant that the RCMP were able to provide evidence for the courts.
The two suspects have not yet been to trial but face several charges in connection to that day.
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The annual awards ceremony included commendations for 46 individuals for their exceptional acts of bravery, outstanding performance, innovative contributions, leadership and community service.
That included Const. Tyler Rodney and Const. Sahil Bansi of the Hope RCMP, who were recognized for Excellence in Performance for their investigation into intentional damage to corporate infrastructure. Their investigation resulted in the seizure of five loaded firearms and ammunition which had previously been reported stolen and the arrest of one individual.
A total of 19 awards were presented to peace officers, employees and civilians, which included service medals and commendations. Three Chilliwack police officers were honoured with an Alexa Team Award for their relentless efforts in combating impaired driving, a cause to honour the memory of four-year-old Alexa Middelar, who was tragically killed by an impaired driver.
Two of the officers were also awarded the All-Star Award for taking a higher number of impaired drivers off the road.
Chilliwack’s Sgt. Ron Elliot was presented the Long Service Medal for 30 years of service. The Long Service Medal may be awarded to any regular member or special constable who bears an irreproachable character and who has completed no less than 20 years of service.
Several recipients were honoured with Excellence in Valour awards, including bank manager Kathy Parker for her remarkable composure and swift action during an attempted bank robbery at the downtown Chilliwack CIBC that occurred on April 27, 2023.
“In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, Ms. Parker displayed remarkable composure and acted swiftly to safeguard the customers and the employees,” Pankratz said.. “Ms. Parker’s calm and empathetic approach proved instrumental in persuading the suspect to surrender what at the time was believed to be a firearm.”
She also helped facilitate the safe removal of the weapon outside the bank, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Parker “exemplified outstanding courage and leadership in the face of adversity,” he added. She was given the Recognizing Excellence for Valour Award on stage by Supt. Davy Lee and Chief Supt. Duncan Pound.
READ MORE: Chilliwack woman who thwarted bank robbery among RCMP award recipients