Metro Vancouver Transit Police arrested a man with alleged gang affiliation who was in possession of a loaded firearm in a busy Burnaby shopping mall.
At approximately 3:40 pm, on Tuesday, May 18th, officers of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police Crime Suppression Team stopped suspected gang member Luis Manuel Baez, in the parking lot of Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, for openly smoking Marijuana in a location contrary to the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act (CCLA).
While speaking with officers, Baez suddenly took off running and was able to get in the drivers seat of a car parked nearby. There was a brief struggle with officers as Baez attempted to start the car. Officers were eventually able to remove BAEZ from the vehicle, but the struggle continued. While trying to gain control of Baez, officers saw him remove a handgun from his waistband and discard it under a parked car.
The firearm was a loaded, semi-automatic .45 calibre handgun.
Arrested and charged with one count of Obstruction and multiple firearms offences is 23-year-old Luis Manuel Baez of Surrey, who is well known to police. BAEZ has been remanded in custody. His next court appearance is yet to be determined.
“Bringing an end to gang violence is an ongoing concerted effort by all Lower Mainland municipal and RCMP police agencies. We are happy to have taken another firearm off the streets and out of the hands of an alleged gang member.” – Sgt. Clint Hampton
Text Transit Police directly and discreetly at 87.77.77 or call us at 604.515.8300. See Something, Say Something!
