Two charged after alleged stolen-vehicle crash and theft at Richmond store

Richmond RCMP say two men have been charged after an alleged break-in at a store in Richmond’s McArthurGlen Designer Outlet last month.

Police received reports shortly after 4 a.m. on Aug. 15 that a stolen vehicle had crashed through the mall gates and into the front of a store. Two men allegedly entered the store, stole merchandise and drove away.

On Sept. 3, police said officers quickly located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description. After officers successfully deployed a tire-deflation device, the vehicle continued travelling and collided with two police vehicles before stopping near No. 3 Road and Capstan Way.

The suspects allegedly attempted to flee on foot before being arrested without further incident. Police say all stolen merchandise has been recovered.

Derek Muirhead and Shahbaz Aulakh are charged with break and enter, mischief, dangerous operation of a vehicle, assault of a peace officer with a weapon and obstructing a peace officer. Police say both were also arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants and remain in custody awaiting bail hearings.