Nanaimo RCMP seek break-in suspect who failed to appear in court

Wanted man Dereck Paul is seen in this recent photo shared by police. (Nanaimo RCMP)

Police in Nanaimo are asking the public for help as they look for a break-and-enter suspect who failed to appear in court.

Dereck Paul is charged with one count of breaking and entering with intent to commit an offence, a charge that stems from an incident that occurred at a car dealership on Kenworth Road in late July.

The 57-year-old was arrested when police responded to a “glass-break alarm” at the business, Nanaimo RCMP said in a news release Monday.

“Paul was later released but failed to appear as required in Nanaimo provincial court,” the release reads. “His current whereabouts are unknown, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.”

Online court records indicate the date of the alleged offence was July 21, and Paul’s first appearance in court was scheduled for Sept. 9. The warrant for his arrest was issued on Oct. 7, but police did not make their public appeal for help finding Paul until this week.

They described the suspect as “a non-white man” with “black/grey hair and brown eyes.” He stands 5′5″ tall and weighs 180 pounds, according to Mounties.

Anyone with information on Paul’s whereabouts is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.