Two men charged after break and enter at Richmond outlet mall

Two men face multiple charges after Richmond RCMP responded to a reported break and enter at a retail business in a Richmond outlet mall early on Aug. 15.

Shortly after 4 a.m., police received reports that a stolen vehicle had crashed through the mall gates and into a retail storefront. Police allege the suspects entered the business, stole merchandise and fled in the vehicle.

Officers quickly located a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle’s description. After police deployed a tire deflation device, the vehicle continued, collided with two police vehicles and stopped near No. 3 Road and Capstan Way.

Police allege both suspects tried to flee on foot before being arrested without further incident. All stolen merchandise was recovered.

Derek Muirhead and Shahbaz Aulakh are charged with break and enter, mischief, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, and obstructing a peace officer. Both were also arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants and remain in custody awaiting bail hearings.

Cpl. Melissa Lui, Richmond RCMP’s media relations officer, said frontline officers and specialized police resources worked together to safely conclude the incident and recover the property. She said the responding officers helped minimize further risk to the public while making the arrests.

Richmond RCMP says it continues to work with local businesses and security partners to address property crime and hold offenders accountable.