A daytime break and enter at a north Richmond business ended with a smashed-up police car and the suspect being arrested in possession of a loaded handgun.
Shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Richmond RCMP responded to a possible break and enter at a business in the 2000 block of No 4 Road, just north of Bridgeport Road.
An employee of the business had called police after noticing a man breaking into the site and leave in a company vehicle.
Then - in a response that included plain-clothed Mounties, members from the Property Crime Unit (PCU) and Prolific Offender Suppression Team (POST) - were immediately dispatched and tracked the vehicle into Vancouver.
Through the coordinated efforts, which by now included the Vancouver Police Department, a man was taken into custody in less than 30 minutes of the initial call to 911. The suspect had on him a loaded, 357 magnum handgun.
During the course of the arrest, however, the stolen vehicle drove into a marked police cruiser, resulting in extensive damage.
“This was a dynamic situation which placed the lives of the police officers and the public at risk and could have ended differently if not for the quick actions taken by the Richmond RCMP PCU and VPD at scene,” said Sgt. Simon Lee.
As a result, Richard James Harris, who has a lengthy criminal record, has now been charged with: possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm; break and enter; theft of a motor vehicle; dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and assaulting a peace officer.
Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or by email at [email protected]. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
