Oceanside RCMP followed multiple calls involving a pickup truck and 41-year-old driver, ending in his arrest. He faces a dozen weapons and property-related charges. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

RAMPAGE

41-year-old man faces a dozen weapons, property charges after Oceanside spree

Nov 16, 2021 | 4:41 PM

PARKSVILLE — Two people were arrested after a string of calls through Qualicum Bay and Bowser involving a pickup truck.

Oceanside RCMP were alerted to the situation around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, after a man was found needing medical attention on Hwy. 19A.

“The information we received from the passerby was that the person was passed out on the side of the highway and was just not alert,” Sgt. Shane Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The man regained consciousness and fled in a nearby truck. A short time later, the same truck reportedly crashed on the highway in a separate incident before again driving away.

Officers were later called to a business in the 6900 block of Island Hwy. West in Bowser when the pickup crashed into a fence.

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Witnesses told police the man again fled the scene, but a female passenger remained inside the vehicle. It was unclear when she joined the man during his spree.

The woman was arrested as Police Dog Services and Emergency Response Team members attended. Reports also suggested the man may be armed.

The driver was tracked and promptly arrested near the Bowser Legion, attempting to break into a parked vehicle. Police confiscated a replica handgun during the arrest.

“This all unfolded, by the time police were alerted, attended, the Police Dog attended, ERT attended, it was all wrapped up and people were in custody within 30 to 45 minutes,” Worth said.

Further investigation found the pickup involved in the three incidents was reported stolen in Duncan three days prior. Police also determined the man had used the same truck to break into properties on Herring Gull Way and Cinarron Crt. in Parksville.

A rifle stored inside the vehicle was also stolen, from Campbell River on Remembrance Day.

The 41-year-old central Island man appeared in court on Tuesday, Nov. 16 and remains in custody. His next court date is Tuesday, Nov. 30.

He faces 12 weapons and property offences and one charge of breaching a probation order.

The passenger in the vehicle was released from custody on a promise to appear at a later date.

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