British Columbia

Surrey man charged with armed robbery after mini crime spree

A man has been charged after allegedly trying to rob two convenience stores in Langley using an imitation gun.

21-year-old accused of trying to use fake gun to steal cash

Mounties say a Surrey man has been charged after allegedly trying to rob two convenience stores in Langley with a fake gun. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

A Surrey man has been charged after allegedly trying to rob two convenience stores in Langley using an imitation gun.

Police were called around 11:30 a.m. PT, April 7 to the Walnut Grove Market after reports of a man going into the store and demanding cash while showing a gun.  No money was obtained and the man was seen driving away in a white pickup truck.

More than half an hour later, a second gun-involved robbery was reported at the Husky in Fort Langley but police say no money was obtained. 

Shortly after, police say an officer saw the truck speeding northbound around 72 Avenue and 200 Street. The vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and was abandoned north of 80th Avenue. Witnesses say a man ran from the truck to a hiding spot in some nearby bushes.

Mitchell Guiel, 21, was arrested and has been charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of using an imitation firearm and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Guiel will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Wednesday.