by Kevin Diakiw, Black Press
Two men have been charged in a year-old assault after an extensive investigation.
On July 1, 2013, three people broke into a home in the 9800-block of Whalley Boulevard, announcing they were police.
They threatened to shoot one of the residents during the break in, and while no firearm was produced, they struck the resident with a crowbar.
They made off with several items from the home including jewelry, cell phones, a laptop and electronic equipment.
After the culmination of a year-long investigation, charges have now been laid against two suspects following the violent assault and robbery.
On June 13, Abbotsford’s David Fitzpatrick, 30, was arrested at his residence by the Surrey RCMP.
He was charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of break and enter with intent.
Langley’s Joseph Anthony Francis, 35, was also arrested the same day at a Surrey SkyTrain Station by the Coquitlam RCMP and charged with the same offences.
Both were arrested without incident and are currently being held in custody. Charges against a third suspect are currently pending.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca if you wish to remain anonymous.
