A duo wanted for serious crimes in Alberta were arrested earlier this month in Burnaby, but not before several dangerous thefts of vehicles and break and enters of several properties in the area.
“This couple was engaging in high risk behaviour, driving on public sidewalks and ramming police and civilian vehicles with no regard for public safety,” said Superintendent Stephan Drolet, Burnaby RCMP Operations Officer, in a statement.
“We were determined to put an end to their criminal activity before anyone was hurt and that’s what we did,” he said.
Nickolas Kirszenstein, 30 and Alia Pearson, 31, first caught the attention of Burnaby officers on March 25, when they noticed a “significant increase” in the amount of F Ford series trucks being stolen. Two days later, an Abbotsford Police officer unsuccessfully tried to arrest a person driving a stolen F350 – and the same incident, with the same type of stolen vehicle, happened in Burnaby on April 2.
Finally, after Burnaby RCMP noticed a stolen F250 truck on April 14, they were able to arrest the two following an extensive police chase.
“This individual didn’t give up right to the end. We’re just pleased he was taken into custody safely,” said LeClair.
During a subsequent search warrant, police seized 14 firearms, several types of drugs, and many designer glasses, among other items.
The two were wanted for over 120 charges in Alberta, most of which are connected to a number of break-and-enters in rural communities around Calgary. They’re back in that province to face those charges.
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