Suspect arrested following multiple bank robberies

SURREY RCMP has arrested a Surrey male in connection to four bank robberies that occurred in the City of Surrey in January 2015.

The robberies took place on January 17 in Whalley, January 21 in Guildford, January 23 in Whalley, and January 24 in Cloverdale. No one was injured during the robberies.

After identifying a suspect for all four offences, the Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit arrested the suspect without incident on January 31. Darrin Andrew Pelland, 30, of Surrey, was carrying a concealed weapon when arrested.

“Our officers were able to link all four bank robberies based on video surveillance footage and witnesses descriptions and were able to focus in on a single suspect,” says Cpl. Bert Paquet of the Surrey RCMP. ”With the rapid succession of the offences, this arrest undoubtedly prevented more robberies from being committed.”

Pelland has been in custody since his arrest and while additional charges are expected, he has been charged with the following 13 offences so far:

– five counts of robbery

– four counts of disguise with intent

– one count of possession contrary to order

– one count of carry concealed weapon

– one count of possession of prohibited firearm

– one count of carrying a loaded firearm with ammunition

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP’s Robbery Unit at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if they wish to remain anonymous.