Robbery Suspect Steals Taxi

(COQUITLAM, BC) – In the early morning hours of June 15th, Coquitlam RCMP General Duty members responded to a report of a robbery that had just occurred at the 7-Eleven on Guildford Way in Coquitlam. The alleged suspects fled in a vehicle which was quickly spotted by attending members and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was terminated due to public safety concerns, and the vehicle was found unoccupied not far from the area. An efficient General Duty Corporal located a taxi in the vicinity and attempted to make a police stop, feeling the robbery suspect might be a passenger. The taxi driver exited the taxi and the suspect took control of the taxi, causing a second police pursuit. The suspect eventually lost control of the taxi, crashed into a chain link fence, and exited the taxi, only to be promptly arrested by attending Coquitlam RCMP members.

"I am proud of the exemplary teamwork and investigative skills demonstrated by our General Duty members. These first responders once again showed the capacity for conducting an exceptional investigation while constantly ensuring public safety, which makes it easy for our Robbery Section to seamlessly take further investigative actions," stated Coquitlam RCMP Insp Paulette Freill.

James Lopert, 26 years, resident of Surrey, was arrested for 2 counts of robbery and causing police pursuit, and for an outstanding warrant for a federal parole violation. He remains in custody. Lopert’s arrest and charges can be accredited to the quick thinking skills of the Coquitlam RCMP General Duty members working that morning!

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