By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Nanaimo RCMP K9 unit led on difficult chase through snowy forest

Feb 20, 2019 | 9:11 AM

NANAIMO — A difficult chase across mountainous terrain couldn’t stop a Nanaimo RCMP police dog and his handler.

K9 unit Jager led Cst. Josh Grafton and Cst. Tanner Fowler through deep snow, a freezing cold river and along steep hills to find a man who allegedly used pepper spray on a cabin owner.

Police were called after 39-year-old David Alan Banford and 29-year-old Jamie Nicole Johnston were allegedly found in a private cabin at the Deadwood Creek Campsite off Nanaimo Lakes Rd. around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16.

They were found by the cabin owners, who tried to escort the two out to the main gate of the campsite and wait for police to arrive.

Banford allegedly took out a can of pepper spray and used it on the cabin owners before fleeing into the bush.

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The chase for Banford began shortly after, with Jager nipping at his heels for two hours. 

Cst. Grafton said the hunt was “one of his toughest to date.”

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the officers were led through the worst conditions possible.

“There was freezing cold, the snow was about a foot deep and they went up one side of a mountain, down the other and had to go through a river. Our handlers are extremely fit individuals and for Cst. Grafton to say this was one of the most arduous treks he’s gone on, he means it.”

Banford was allegedly found hiding in the bush and received several bites during the arrest. 

He’d led Jager and the officers so far into the wilderness Nanaimo Search and Rescue as well as other Nanaimo RCMP members were called to bring them back safely.

Banford faces two counts of assault with a weapon and one count of break and enter. He was granted bail and his next appearance is March 5.

His criminal record stretches back to 2008 and features charges including possession of stolen property as well as break and enter. 

Johnston did not run and was arrested at the campsite gate. She is charged with break and enter and was also released on bail.

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