On December 2nd, 2019 at 10:15am the New Westminster Police Department attended to a bank in the 400 block of 6th Street, New Westminster for a report of a robbery with a firearm.
The suspect allegedly entered the bank and demanded money before fleeing the scene. Officers immediately attended the area, but the suspect had already left, possibly on a motorcycle.
Shortly thereafter, investigators were able to determine the location of the suspect and arrested him without incident.
45 year old Dennis Stjepanovic of New Westminster has been charged with the following offences:
Robbery, section 344 (1) Criminal Code;
Having his face masked while intending to commit an indicatable offence, section 351(2) Criminal Code;
Use of an imitation firearm while committing robbery, section 85(2) Criminal Code;
Assault while carrying, using, or threatening to us a weapon or imitation weapon, section 267(a) Criminal Code; and,
Carry a weapon or an imitation weapon – Airsoft pistol – for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for the purpose of committing an offence, section 88(1) Criminal Code.
“Robberies have an element of violence and can be dangerous for the public. Even if a weapon that is used in a robbery ends up being an imitation, it is very concerning,” stated Sergeant Jeff Scott.
“A robbery investigation can be time consuming for investigators, but our team of officers was able to quickly establish the location of the suspect and effect an arrest. We are determined to solve and prevent crime in our city, especially if there is a risk of violence.”
Mr. Stjepanovic remains in-custody until his next court appearance on December 11th, 2019.
