Break-in suspects in custody after shot fired, police cruiser rammed

Richmond Mounties were investigating the scene of a Wednesday afternoon shooting incident connected to a residential break-in on Schaefer Avenue, near Francis and Gilbert roads.

Martin van den Hemel photo

Share this story

Tweet

• Two men charged in break-in
• Stolen car suspect rams police cars, seriously injures officer
• Teen shot, suspects sought
• Vancouver mayor's former foster son taken into custody by RCMP
• Driver charged for hit and run of police cruiser
• Bandits fire shot at Richmond home

Two break-in suspects are in police custody after ramming a police cruiser in an effort to flee Wednesday afternoon in a residential neighbourhood near Gilbert and Francis roads.

The Richmond Review has learned that at least one shot was fired during the incident near the intersection of Shaefer Avenue and Cruickshank Drive, but it's not clear if the shot was fired by the suspects, police or someone else.

The victim of the break-in told The Richmond Review early Wednesday evening that he and his family had left their home around 2 p.m. for a doctor's appointment.

When they returned around 75 minutes later, many police vehicles were in his neighbourhood.

The man, who asked to remain anonymous, said police told him that his house had been broken into, and that the suspects tried to flee, and slammed into a police vehicle in the process.

Their house was completely ransacked with the suspects making off with a couple of women's handbags, and a little cash, the man said.

"They turned the house upside down," he said.

The homeowner believes the suspects may have been casing the neighbourhood, and observed him leave.

"Otherwise, how do they know?" the man offered.

But he doesn't recall seeing anything suspicious, though they were in a hurry as they were running late for the appointment.

The victim said the suspects may have gained access via a sticky side door that may not have been properly secured.

"Normally we have to slam the side door really hard," he said, adding that it doesn't look like the suspects forced their way in.

At the scene, The Richmond Review overheard an officer say "casing" as he photographed and mapped the scene, suggesting that at least one shot had been fired.

But Richmond RCMP are remaining mum about the incident.

Richmond Mounties are now saying they are planning to issue a press release Thursday morning with details about exactly what occurred.