A man who was caught as he allegedly attempted to steal a handful of lottery tickets from a Port Coquitlam liquor store is now facing several charges.
The man is also suspected in similar robberies that took place in Coquitlam and PoCo throughout the holiday season, in which the suspect robbed stores using a knife or gun. Investigators believe he may be linked to similar incidents in Maple Ridge as well.
Coquitlam RCMP arrested a suspect as he tried to flee the PoCo store last Friday. He made his first court appearance on Monday and remains in custody.
Anthony Bakker, 37, is facing three counts of robbery with a weapon and one count of theft.
"We suspected he may be associated to other alleged robberies in the area," said Cpl. Jamie Chung. "We are working closely with neighbouring police agencies to determine if additional charges are applicable."
