Five charges laid on suspect after Coquitlam RCMP recover $500,000 in stolen equipment in ‘dynamic arrest’

Coquitlam RCMP recovered over $500,000 in stolen hydroelectric equipment off a logging road in Mission early this month, apprehending a suspect in what police are describing as a ‘dynamic arrest.’ 

Police were called to a Port Coquitlam business at 7:30 a.m., Aug. 14, following a report of an overnight break and enter. Roughly three hours later, Coquitlam RCMP received a report of a stolen yellow 2012 Ford Eco Van from another Port Coquitlam business.

The second business provided police with the van’s GPS coordinates, which showed investigators it was located in Mission.

The police said they dispatched their “Strike Force” property crime team, joined by Mission RCMP and an integrated RCMP K9 unit. They quickly located the vehicle driving on a Forest Service Road in Mission. Officers noted it had recently been painted grey.

Coquitlam RCMP say the suspect rammed an unoccupied Mission RCMP vehicle in an attempt to flee, losing one of its tires in the process, and continuing to drive on the rim.

Police apprehended both the suspect and a passenger when the vehicle was eventually stopped.

Brian McDonald, 40, was charged with possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering, flight from police and prohibited driving.

“We would like to thank both of the complainants for their prompt crime reporting, said Cpl. Alexa Hodgins, Coquitlam RCMP’s media relation officer. “This was a dynamic and fluid event with the suspect allegedly attempting to flee and harm responding police officers. We are very thankful that no one was seriously injured as there was an increased concern to public safety.”

McDonald remains in police custody awaiting his next court appearance, while the passenger was released on conditions. McDonald has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2018, including numerous charges for possession of stolen property and theft.

The investigation remains open, and police are asking anyone with information to contact the Coquitlam RCMP’s non-emergency line at 604-945-1550, and quote file number 2024-21269.