Six men of local kidnapping group charged
Posted February 14, 2012 5:46 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DELTA (NEWS1130) – Six men have now been charged after police foiled a kidnapping in East Vancouver in November. Investigators are describing an organized and dangerous criminal group.
“Our mandate, and our priority, is always that of public safety” said Supt. Tom McCluskie of the Gang Task Force. “And our target selection criteria is exactly under the same premise, we go after those who pose the most significant threat to [the] general public.”
Last week, officers executed three search warrants as they concluded their investigation into the Vancouver kidnapping. Eleven weapons, mostly assault-style rifles, were seized at a home in Burnaby, and the suspects were arrested.
“And I don’t pretend to be an expert in Weapons” said McCluskie, “but these are all long-barrelled, high-powered killing machines.”
The group was already under surveillance during the kidnapping. “We had our Emergency Response Teams following as this unfolded.”
Two men were seen taking the victim. Police swooped in and made the arrest immediately. Police are not saying why the victim was targeted, but it appears the victim had been tracked for nearly three months before the kidnappers made their move.
“They were utilizing devices, such as GPS tracking devices, and installing them on target vehicles. Then, through the use of computer tracking systems, following those vehicles,” McCluskie said.
“…Through follow-up investigation we were able to gain more than sufficient evidence, in my opinion, to bring the [other 4] actually calling the shots, working behind the scenes in this organization, into custody and charge them as well.”
McCluskie said members of the group have links to two local gangs, but he only named the Independent Soldiers as an affiliate. He said more charges against the group are likely.
Charged are 26-year-old Jesse John Margison of Coquitlam; 28-year-old Troy Dax McKinnon of Vancouver; 25-year-old Van Van Vu of Vancouver; 28-year-old Derek James Stephens of Vancouver; 25-year-old John Ross Powers of Deroche and 25-year-old Cody Alexander Sleigh of Coquitlam.
