Serena Vermeersch homicide: suspect arrested and charged

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Serena Vermeersch. The Surrey, B.C., teen was found dead on Tuesday, killed in an apparently random attack.

Even though he's been charged, police are not revealing his identity due to a publication ban.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Surrey RCMP say they will be releasing more details at a joint news conference Monday.

• Serena Vermeersch, 17, killed in apparent random attack
• Serena Vermeersch, 17, found dead under suspicious circumstances: RCMP

IHIT had been asking for public help in locating a grey or silver Dodge three-quarter ton pickup truck seen leaving the area of the railroad tracks near where Vermeersch's body was found, but on Saturday abruptly withdrew that request.

At a news conference on Thursday, police said the teen's death appeared to be a "random crime of opportunity and cautioned the public "to be vigilant."

It said evidence collected at the scene supported the theory that the teen was murdered.

Vermeersch was reported missing by her mother on Tuesday morning when she didn't come home after going out the previous night.

Her body was found Tuesday night in the 14600 block of 66 Avenue near a set of railroad tracks in Surrey's East Newton neighbourhood. 

Police have not released the cause of death.

On mobile? See a map of the 14600 block of 66 Avenue here