Police in Abbotsford say they arrested a man who allegedly assaulted an employee in a fast food restaurant last week and fled with stolen cash. The incident occurred at a restaurant in the 2000 block of Whatcom Road just before 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15, according to a post on social media by the Abbotsford Police Department Friday. Police did not specify which restaurant was robbed. There are several in the area, which is just north of the road’s interchange with Highway 1. Walther De Bruin allegedly entered the restaurant, “physically assaulted an employee and fled with money stolen from the restaurant,” police said in their post. The employee was not seriously injured, according to police. “Officers immediately responded to the area and located the suspect leaving on a motorcycle,” the post reads. “Attempts to stop the motorcycle in the Sumas Prairie area were unsuccessful. Due to the manner in which the suspect was driving and the risk to public safety, officers did not initiate a pursuit.” The 35-year-old was arrested later that night in Burnaby, with the assistance of the Vancouver Police Department, Abbotsford police said. De Bruin has since been charged with robbery, disguise with intent, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and flight from police. Online court records indicate he remains in custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Nov. 10. At the same appearance, De Bruin will also answer to charges for offences that allegedly occurred in Chilliwack on the same day as the Abbotsford robbery. De Bruin is charged with assault and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm in connection to that incident. He’s also charged with breaching a probation order. “Violent crime can have a significant and lasting impact on victims, employees, and the broader community,” said Abbotsford police Sgt. Paul Walker, in the post. “Our officers moved quickly to identify and locate the suspect, ensuring he was brought before the courts. AbbyPD remains committed to supporting victims, protecting our community, and holding offenders accountable for their actions.”
