A man has been charged with multiple offences following an investigation by the Surrey RCMP and the New Westminster Police Department.
According to a Surrey RCMP news release, a member of the New Westminster Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Uptown neighbourhood about 2:10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct 25, after observing a vehicle driving erratically. Two men were in the vehicle when it was pulled over.
“Suspicious damage was observed on the vehicle, and both men were arrested and taken into police custody without incident while the investigation unfolded,” said the news release.
During the investigation, officers recovered a loaded firearm and learned that, prior to the traffic stop, an incident had occurred in the parkade of a building in Surrey where a man had allegedly threatened another with a firearm and shots were fired, said the Surrey RCMP.
“No one was injured during this incident, and Surrey RCMP did not receive any reports or calls for service related to this incident,” said the news release.
Surrey RCMP’s general investigation section worked closely with New Westminster Police Department on this investigation.
“Thankfully, no bystanders were injured during this incident,” said Corp. Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations officer for the Surrey RCMP.
Sangha said the case is a great example of police agencies working collaboratively to keep communities safe.
“Our officer demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in a highly dangerous set of circumstances,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver of the New Westminster Police Department. “In that instance he did not know if the occupants of the vehicle were going to comply with his instructions, and it was initially unknown if the driver had a firearm. Thanks to his training and the cooperation of the driver, no one was injured during the arrest.”
According to Surrey RCMP, 34-year-old Kia Kaeni was charged on Oct. 30 with 12 offences including a number of firearms related offences, kidnapping, uttering threats and assault.
Police are providing no further details because this matter is now before the courts.
