‘Time is of the essence’: Police searching for escaped BC prisoner and accomplices

Both a Canada-wide arrest warrant and an Interpol Red notice are being prepared for Rabih “Robby” Alkhalil.

The 35-year-old escaped the North Fraser Pretrial Centre on Thursday night with the help of two accomplices.

According to police, the three men are confirmed to have left the jail in a white Econoline Van around 6:50 pm and travelled westbound on Kingsway Avenue.

In order to break out Alkhalil, who is charged with first-degree murder and more, the men allegedly posed as contractors there for a job and used a plasma torch to cut a hole in the fence.

The Coquitlam RCMP is working closely with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU) and has engaged law enforcement agencies through the province on this priority search.

Investigators are dealing with the possibility that Alkhalil is trying to flee by using his connections across Canada, 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,” said Cst. Deanna Law today.

“We are also hoping someone will recognize the photographs of two suspects who helped Alkhalil escape from jail. All three men are facing serious charges. If you see them, call 911 immediately.”

Alkhalil is described as a Middle Eastern man who is 5’10” and 166 lbs with short black hair and brown eyes.

One of the accomplices is described as a Caucasian man believed to be in his 30s who is bald with a narrow face, arched eyebrows and a slightly crooked nose.

The other is also believed to be in his 30s and bald, with an oval face, light eyebrows and close-set eyes.

The three men were all wearing high-visibility vests when they left the prison, but police are confident that they likely changed their clothing since Thursday night.

Anyone with information about the men who helped Alkhalil escape are urged to call the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and ask for the Major Crime Unit.

Anyone who sees the suspects is urged to call 911 immediately, but to not approach them.