A 28-year-old man is facing more than a dozen charges in connection with a series of alleged kidnappings across the Lower Mainland last month.
The investigation was launched after a woman was rescued from a vehicle in Pitt Meadows.
The Ridge Meadows RCMP says it received a report at 12:40 a.m. on Jan. 18 that a woman was allegedly being held against her will in a suspect’s car by a man believed to be armed and making threats.
Officers were able to locate the vehicle, safely remove the woman, and take the suspect into custody.
“We got her to safety. She did not require medical attention from the scene,” Staff Sgt. Michelle Luca told 1130 NewsRadio.
Luca says the arrest quickly turned into a multi-jurisdictional investigation, with investigators uncovering two similar reported cases in Surrey and West Vancouver in the days prior.
The Surrey Police Service and West Vancouver Police Department then each submitted recommendations to the BC Prosecution Service, which approved 14 charges against Amritpal Singh.
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The charges include three counts of kidnapping, sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon, assault, two counts of uttering threats, two counts of using an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and several counts of mischief involving computer, text, and telephone data.
Police say all of the victims were women.
Investigators believe the suspect targeted victims through an online platform, allegedly using employment opportunities to arrange meetings.
Luca is reminding the public to be cautious when interacting with strangers online, whether it be “trying to secure employment or even buying items from someone they don’t know.”
“Make sure you’re doing your research. ‘Where am I meeting this person? Does it make sense?’ Follow your instincts.”
Singh has remained in custody since his arrest and is awaiting his next court appearance.
RCMP say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information — or who may have had similar interactions — to contact their local police.