Shortly before 1 AM on September 1st, 2016, Richmond RCMP officers from Alpha Watch responded to a residence in the 7000 block of Afton Drive.
A sharp-eyed neighbour observed an individual attempting to break into the residence and contacted police. Police were advised that the owners of the residence were not home of the time and it should be unoccupied.
Multiple officers arrived within minutes and quickly set up a containment perimeter.
One of the suspects, a 34-year old female, surrendered quickly and was placed into custody by awaiting officers.
A second suspect allegedly attempted to evade police by climbing out a second story window and onto the roof. From there he allegedly jumped onto the roof of an adjacent home. Heavily armed Richmond RCMP officers evacuated that home and escorted a family including 2 small children to a safe location.
Officers were able to out-wait the suspect some 3 ½ hours and negotiate his surrender. He was taken into custody without incident.
Most of the time, the greatest tool we possess is not located in our duty belt. It is our voice, says Corporal Dennis Hwang.
In this case, our voice was extremely effective in de-escalating this tense situation and minimizing the risk to the public. Our goal is always to minimize harm whenever possible.
It was tremendous that the people in the community are keeping a watchful eye on one another’s property and immediately contacting police when suspicious activity is observed.
Desiree Belisle, 34, of Surrey is charged with one count of Break and Enter to a Dwelling House Sec. 348(1)(d) CCC and one count of Breach of Undertaking or Recognizance Sec. 145(3) CCC.
Gregory Peterson, 40, of Burnaby is charged is one count Break and Enter to a Dwelling House Sec. 348(1)(d) CCC and one count of Obstructing a Police Officer Sec. 129(a) CCC.
Both individuals are well-known to police.
