Transgendered parolee charged with local CIBC robbery

A transgendered federal parolee was arrested after a chase by automobile and on foot and charged with robbing the local CIBC branch Tuesday afternoon.

“The suspect entered the bank and produced a note which made reference to a firearm,” Cpl. Rod Wiebe said in a statement Tuesday evening. “An undisclosed amount of money was turned over to the suspect who then fled on foot. The description of the suspect given was a man dressed up as a woman.”

After police canvassed the area it was learned that the suspect was associated to a yellow Ford Mustang. Further patrols located a vehicle matching the description at a local gas station. When police approached the vehicle it took off  and a pursuit ensued.  The brief chase lasted about 20 blocks when the suspect vehicle turned down a dead end street.  The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  Police caught up with the suspect moments later on Highway 23 North and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The 48-year-old transgendered person from New Westminster is now facing charges of robbery, causing a pursuit, dangerous driving and assaulting a police officer.  This person, who was a federal parolee on conditional release, also had an outstanding warrant of apprehension revoking their day parole status.

The investigation into this matter is continuing.