
Police in New Westminster say a Kamloops man is facing charges after an armed kidnapping in that city last month.
In a news release Friday, Sergeant Andrew Leaver says police learned that a local resident had been kidnapped on April 25.
“The New Westminster Police Department Major Crime Unit took conduct of the investigation, receiving extensive support from internal specialty units and numerous police agencies throughout the region including the RCMP, Vancouver Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team,” he said.
“Based on evidence obtained during this rapidly unfolding investigation, two armed suspects were intercepted by police leading to the safe rescue of the hostage.”
Police say 40-year-old Kyle Clark Dimond of Kamloops and 42-year-old Marc Kevin Valcourt of Vernon have both been charged with kidnapping, forcible confinement, and use of an imitation firearm. Dimond faces an additional charge of assault with a weapon.
“Investigators were extremely concerned for the well-being of this individual,” added Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “The safe rescue of the hostage and arrests of the suspects is in no doubt thanks to dedicated teams of skilled police officers.”
Police say both of the accused remain in custody as investigators continue gathering evidence.
– With files from The Canadian Press