Richmond RCMP officer shoots dog while investigating a break and enter involving South Asian suspect

A Richmond RCMP officer was forced to fire at a dog that almost bit him as he and a fellow officer were investigating a break and enter.

Shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday (May 29), police responded to a report of a break and enter in progress in the 9000-block of Walford Street in Richmond. A local home owner was startled to find an unwanted male in his residence. This suspect fled once discovered.

Police quickly established a containment field and officers scoured the area looking for the suspect. The suspect was described as a South Asian male in his 30s wearing a black jacket and carrying a large black duffle bag. Richmond RCMP contacted the B.C. RCMP’s Integrated Police Dog Services Unit (IPDS) for their assistance in the search.

At around 9 a.m., two of officers were alerted to a large black duffle bag matching the description of that carried by the suspect. It was located in a fenced yard of a residence in the 3000-block of Garden City Road. The property had a “beware of dog” sign posted and the RCMP says their officers made cautionary noises in an attempt to rouse a dog or dogs before retrieving the evidence.

When the officers didn’t hear anything, they attempted to retrieve the duffle bag but were then confronted by two pit bull-like dogs. They hastily exited the area, narrowly escaping. In the process, one of the officers discharged his firearm once at the dog that was closing in on him and damaged a fence. The officers were shaken but uninjured. One dog was transported to local area veterinary hospital for treatment. An investigation into this incident has been initiated.

“The homeowner of the break and enter was extremely scared, but luckily unharmed. We were unable to apprehend the suspect in this case but the Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit will be investigating it further. We consider the discharge of a firearm whether intentional or accidental very serious and it will be fully investigated. This is an unfortunate incident,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang.

1 COMMENT

  1. the duffel bag was in the driveway on the other side of the home, outside the fence . they officers had already searched thru it then entered the home without a warrant.

Comments are closed.