Alleged thief rams cop car

Photo: Contributed

A Lower Mainland man is facing numerous charges after allegedly breaking into a business and ramming a police cruiser in a bid to escape.

Richard James Harris has 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.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Jan. 16, Richmond RCMP responded to a possible break and enter at a business in the 2000 block of No. 4 Road.

An employee of the business called police after he observed an unknown male allegedly break into the site and leave in a company vehicle.

Multiple police agencies converged on the scene and through their co-ordinated efforts, Harris was arrested less than 30 minutes of the initial call to 911.

“During the course of the arrest, the alleged stolen vehicle drove into a marked police vehicle 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 (police),” said Sgt. Simon Lee, adding Harris has a lengthy criminal record and is alleged to have been found in possession of a loaded .357 magnum handgun at the time of his arrest.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact Richmond RCMP.