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Nanaimo RCMP arresting a suspect who tried to swim away from police following a chain-reaction of events on the city's waterfront on Monday, June 22. (Nanaimo RCMP)
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Boaters help nab Nanaimo suspect who tried to swim from police

Jun 24, 2020 | 4:43 PM

NANAIMO — A wanted offender was ‘hooked’ into police custody with the help of several boaters.

It happened Monday, June 22 at 2 p.m. when police said the 25-year-old suspect blatantly used street drugs right in front of Mounties at the east end of St. George St.

Police said the suspect was told to identify himself, when he ran off across Stewart Ave. toward Newcastle Channel at the Nanaimo Shipyard property.

An RCMP news release said the suspect took a short swim in the brisk ocean and tried to steal a kayak from a moored boat, catching the attention of nearby boat owners.

The boaters used hooks to corner the suspect to the dock.

The Nanaimo RCMP’s Zodiac happened to be staffed by Cst. Mike Eckert, who pulled up alongside and apprehended the suspect.

He was arrested for obstruction and drug possession, believed to be crystal meth. He also had two outstanding warrants in Nanaimo for theft and possession of stolen property.

The alleged offender was later released from custody and has a court appearance set for late September.

He can’t be identified since charges have not been officially laid.

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