Proactive patrol leads to arrest and charges in business break-in

August 25, 2026 - Campbell River, British Columbia
From: Campbell River RCMP

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File: 2026-10886/2026-10606

A 40-year-old Campbell River man is facing charges after frontline officers conducting proactive patrols in the early morning hours identified suspicious activity that ultimately led to charges being laid in a commercial break and enter.

Shortly after 2:00 a.m. on August 21, 2026, a Campbell River RCMP officer on patrol observed a man riding an e-bike away from a commercial area in the downtown core under suspicious circumstances. The officer conducted an investigation and seized property believed to be stolen. Minutes later, police were notified of a break and enter at a nearby local business.

The subsequent investigation linked the recovered property to the business and resulted in Ernest Patrick Puglas, 40, being charged with break and enter, two counts of possession of stolen property under $5000, as well as obstruction of a peace officer.

"What's notable in this case is that our officers identified and investigated the suspicious activity before police were ever called about the break and enter," said Inspector Jeff Preston, Officer in Charge of the Campbell River RCMP. "This is a great example of the value of proactive patrols and officers being engaged in the community during overnight hours."

Puglas has also been charged in a separate incident that occurred on August 15, 2026, involving damage to a commercial business in downtown Campbell River. In that matter, he is facing charges of attempted break and enter and mischief under $5,000. Puglas is currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing on both matters.

All charges have been approved by the BC Prosecution Service and remain before the courts.

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