File: 2025-108612 (SP)

Criminal Code charges have been approved following a Surrey Police Service (SPS) investigation into an alleged attempted escape from Surrey Pretrial Services Centre (SPSC).

On December 7, 2025, at approximately 12:25 pm, Correctional Officers observed an attempted escape in progress from an exercise yard within the secure perimeter of that location. Upon apprehension of those involved, police were contacted and the SPS Prolific Offender Team assumed conduct of the investigation.

On January 27, 2026, charges were approved by BC Prosecution Services for two men.   

40-year-old Dean Wiwchar and 34-year-old Harry Christensen have been charged with the following offences:

• One count of attempt to break out of prison with intent to escape, contrary to sections 144(b) and 463(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• One count of attempt to escape from lawful custody contrary to sections 145(1) and 463(d) of the Criminal Code of Canada

Both men remain in custody serving their original custodial sentences pending further court appearances.