A Maple Ridge man could face charges for a kidnapping hoax that sent police on a bit of wild goose chase in Maple Ridge last week.
Ridge Meadows RCMP were called about a possible kidnapping involving a 24-year-old man around 9 p.m. Friday.
The report indicated the man was being held for a ransom.
Police searched different areas in Maple Ridge all night and located a man “safe and sound” around 3 p.m. the following day inside a home.
“Due to the allegation, Ridge Meadows RCMP had to call in our Serious Crimes Unit. These dedicated officers worked diligently on this case, working small leads which ultimately led police to where the supposed victim was located,” said Insp. Dave Fleugel.
But officers soon determined the man was lying.
“It turns out the man fabricated his own abduction in an effort to solicit money for personal gain,” said Fleugel.
“Police take all reports seriously, and with a report of this magnitude, it gets our full attention. Although we are thankful the man was not kidnapped, or injured in any way, it’s a waste of our policing budget and use of resources.”
Police continue to investigate the case, but have released the man on a promise to appear in court.
Excavator stolen
An excavator and an auger attachment were stolen last week from a construction site in Maple Ridge.
The green and yellow John Deere equipment was taken overnight Thursday or early Friday from a property on Church Avenue.
• Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP at 604-463-6251.
Drunken damage
A 20-year-old man was arrested by police on Friday after causing a disturbance in a restaurant.
The incident took place inside a Boston Pizza restaurant in Meadowtown mall just before 11:30 p.m.
When the man wouldn’t calm down, two off-duty police officers stepped in and arrested the intoxicated man.
The man was handed over to Ridge Meadows RCMP and held in custody until he was sober enough to be released.
Stolen car
A 37-year-old man from Pitt Meadows was arrested by police over the weekend after he was spotted in a stolen car.
A general duty police officer saw the man driving a red Acura in downtown Maple Ridge.
When the man parked the car on 223rd Street, the officer drove up to him and questioned him about the car.
Police allege the man tried to flee, but was chased by police and arrested.
He was held in custody for a court appearance on Monday.