Two men charged following break-and-enter at Richmond outlet mall

TWO men — Derek Muirhead and Shahbaz Aulakh — are facing multiple charges after Richmond RCMP responded to a reported break-and-enter at a retail business in Richmond during the early morning hours of August 15.

Shortly after 4 a.m. on August 15, Richmond RCMP received reports that a stolen vehicle had crashed through the gates of the outlet mall and into a retail storefront. It is alleged the suspects entered the business, stole merchandise, and fled in the vehicle.

Police quickly located a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle. After a tire deflation device was successfully deployed, the vehicle continued and collided with two police vehicles before coming to a stop near No. 3 Road and Capstan Way. It is alleged that both suspects attempted to flee on foot but were subsequently arrested without further incident.

All stolen merchandise was recovered.

Muirhead and Aulakh have been charged with multiple offences, including break-and-enter, mischief, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of assault of a peace officer with a weapon, and obstructing a peace officer. Both men were also arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants and remain in custody awaiting bail hearings.

“This investigation involved the coordinated efforts of frontline officers and specialized police resources to safely bring this incident to a conclusion and recover the stolen property,” says Cpl. Melissa Lui, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer. “The actions of responding officers helped ensure the suspects were arrested while minimizing further risk to the public.”

Richmond RCMP say they continue to work closely with local businesses and security partners to address property crime and hold offenders accountable.