5:30 p.m., July 23
The photos of the alleged suspects involved in an accused killer's escape from a Port Coquitlam jail this week were stock images.
That's from Coquitlam RCMP in its latest update on the search for the 35-year-old who remains at large after he left with two men in a van that posed as employed contractors at the North Fraser Pretrial Centre on Thursday (July 21).
Spokesperson Const. Deanna Law explains the previously-released "do not represent" the suspects, but "bear a close resemblance."
"As with many complex investigations, the information is rapidly changing as we progress," she says.
"For this case, time is crucial and it’s important to keep the public as informed as possible even though the facts could change as we go."
It appears the descriptions of the suspects in Alkhalil's escape have not changed.
Law adds police have recovered and are now examining the white Ford Econoline van used to escort him from the pretrial centre.
Mounties have also been contact with enforcement agencies across Canada, North America and around the world to try and find Alkhalil, who's facing first-degree murder charges from a Vancouver shooting in January 2012.
More on the incident can be read in the original story below.
Anyone who sees Alkhalil or the men involved in his escape is advised to not approach them and call 911 immediately.
4:10 p.m., July 22
Investigators say they've "tentatively identified" two suspects who they say helped Rabih Alklhalil escape a Port Coquitlam jail last night (July 21).
No names have been released, but RCMP spokesperson Const. Deanna Law says it's now "more important than ever" to find the 35-year-old inmate at large from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre.
Alkhalil is accused in the January 2012 Vancouver murder of Sandip Duhre and is facing first-degree murder charges.
Police believe they've also found the suspects' vehicle — a white Ford Econoline van — used to get Alkhalil out while posing as employed contractors.
Law adds police are still confirming details, and more updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
1:45 p.m., July 22
Police have released images of, who they say are, the suspects that helped a 35-year-old accused killer escape from a Port Coquitlam jail.
Before 7 p.m. on Thursday (July 21), inmate Rabih Alkhalil — also known as "Robby" — left the North Fraser Pretrial Centre (1451 Kingsway Ave.) in a white van with two other men that posed as employed contractors.
Mounties were informed of the incident at 7:30 p.m. and, as of this publication (July 22), Alkhalil remains unlawfully at large.
Coquitlam RCMP says it's now shifting focus to the suspects that got him out of the facility.
In addition to the public's help, Const. Deanna Law says extra units have been called in as Alkhalil might be trying to flee the province.
Law explains he has connections across Canada, as well as the United States, Europe and Asia.
"Time is of the essence and we need your help to get Alkhalil’s face in every airport, train station, taxi, rental car or anywhere else that he may be hiding," she explains in a statement, noting all three men are facing serious charges and a Canada-wide arrest warrant is in the works.
"We are also hoping someone will recognize the photographs of two suspects who helped Alkhalil escape from jail."
If any are seen, Law advises the public to call 911 right away.
RCMP explain Alkhalil and the suspects were wearing high-visibility vests and took off in a white Econoline van heading westbound on Kingsway Avenue.
However, all three have likely changed their clothes since the escape.
The first suspect is described as:
- White
- In his 30s
- Bald
- Narrow face
- Arched eyebrows
- Slightly crooked nose
The second suspect is described as:
- White
- In his 30s
- Bald
- Oval face
- Light eyebrows
- Close-set eyes
Police are also working with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) and other law enforcement agencies across B.C. with the active search.
Alkhalil is considered dangerous, and is currently facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the January 2012 Vancouver death of Sandip Duhre, who was gunned down at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.
The shooting occurred in a busy restaurant occupied by patrons, including the Cuban women’s national soccer team when they were in the city for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament.
Alkhalil was extradited from Greece to face charges.
He was charged with the murder of Duhre in 2018, but both pleaded not guilty.
Alkhalil is described as:
- Middle Eastern
- 5'10"
- 166 pounds
- Short black hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing...
- Black jump suit
- High visibility vest
Anyone with more information on Alkhalil and the suspects, or their whereabouts, is urged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and ask for the major crime unit.
- with files from Jeremy Hainsworth, Glacier Media
