Two B.C. residents have been charged in connection to a kidnapping investigation in New West.
According to a New Westminster Police Department press release, police learned a local resident had allegedly been kidnapped on the evening of April 25. Based on evidence obtained during this rapidly unfolding investigation, the NWPD said two armed suspects were intercepted by police, leading to the safe rescue of the hostage.
“Investigators were extremely concerned for the well-being of this individual,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. 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.”
According to the news release, the New Westminster Police Department’s Major Crime Unit led the investigation, receiving extensive support from internal specialty units and numerous police agencies throughout the region. This included the RCMP, the Vancouver Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team.
“These investigations are very resource intensive,” Deputy Chief Const. Paul Hyland said in the news release, “so I am very appreciative of the excellent work done by our investigators, and the amazing support we received from our policing partners.”
Kyle Clark Dimond, a 40-year-old Kamloops resident, has been charged with kidnapping, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon and use of an imitation firearm.
Marc Kevin Valcourt, a 42-year-old Vernon resident, has been charged with kidnapping, forcible confinement and use of an imitation firearm.
Both suspects remain in custody as investigators continue gathering evidence.
More to come on this story.
The New Westminster Police Department is asking that anyone with information about this incident contact the Major Crime Unit by calling 604-529-2430 or emailing [email protected].
