An Abbotsford man was apprehended in Burnaby following a violent robbery at a fast-food restaurant on October 15. Walther De Bruin allegedly assaulted an employee and escaped on a motorcycle before being captured later that night.
The Whatcom Road robbery and motorcycle flight
Shortly before 19:30 on Saturday, October 15, a violent encounter occurred at a fast-food establishment located on the 2000 block of Whatcom Road, near the junction with Highway 1. According to the police report, Walther De Bruin forced physical contact on food-service staff and stole cash from the business's cash drawer. While the victim did not suffer serious injuries, the incident triggered an immediate police response.
Officers arriving at the scene witnessed the suspect fleeing the premises on a motorcycle. As reported by policing officials, authorities attempted to intercept the vehicle in the Sumas Prairie area. However, the pursuit was terminated because the dangerous operation of the motorcycle posed a significant risk to the general public, forcing the Abbotsford Police to prioritize community safety over an immediate arrest.
Walther De Bruin's capture in Burnaby and four primary charges
The flight ended later that same evening when Walther De Bruin was located and detained in the city of Burnaby. This arrest was made possible through the assistance of the Vancouver Police Department, who helped Abbotsford officials secure the 35-year-old suspect.
Following his capture, De Bruin was formally charged with four specific offenses: robbery, the transportation of a disguise with the intent to deceive, the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and flight from police. These charges reflect not only the theft itself but the hazardous manner in which the suspect attempted to evade law enforcement across municipal boundaries.
A parallel crime spree in Chilliwack on October 15
The robbery in Abbotsford was not an isolated event, but rather part of a volatile day for the suspect. Court filings reveal that on the same day as the Whatcom Road incident, De Bruin was involved in separate criminal activities in the neighboring district of Chilliwack.
In Chilliwack, De Bruin faces a different set of serious allegations, including assault and uttering threats intended to cause death or bodily harm. furthermore, the suspect is accused of violating a probation order, suggesting a history of legal instability and a failure to adhere to previous court-mandated restrictions. This pattern of escalating violence across two cities in a single 24-hour period underscores the severity of the current charges.
The November 10 court date and the mystery of the disguise
Walther De Bruin remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before magistrates at the Abbotsford courthouse on Wednesday, November 10. This hearing will address both the robbery charges and the separate allegations stemming from the events in Chilliwack.
Despite the detailed charges, several specifics remain unverified. The police report mentions the "transportation of a disguise," but it does not describe what the disguise was or how it was used during the robbery. Additionally, the nature of the probation order De Bruin allegedly violated in Chilliwack has not been disclosed, leaving it unclear what prior offenses led to his supervised release.
Community Impact and Police Response
Sgt. Paul Walker emphasized that violent crimes of this nature have profound repercussions for the employees and the wider community.. The Abbotsford Police Department has stated its commitment to supporting the victims of the Whatcom Road robbery while ensuring the offfender is brought to justice through the legal system.
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