By Ian Holmes

Man arrested in Beban Park convicted of near-identical offence barely 6 months ago

Mar 8, 2018 | 11:23 AM

NANAIMO — The man who allegedly threatened to kill a Nanaimo RCMP officer with a knife near a busy Beban Park playground was convicted of the same offence in the same park last summer, court records showed.

Kym Arkell, 33, was arrested the morning of March 7, 2018 after he allegedly pulled a knife out and threatened to kill an officer near the Altrusa Venture Park playground. Police said Arkell was hit by a police cruiser and arrested following a brief chase.

Arkell faces several charges following his most recent alleged run-in with Nanaimo police, including uttering threats and possessing a dangerous weapon.

In January, Arkell pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 days in jail, followed by an order to live in a south Nanaimo supervised group home, after he used an eight-inch knife to threaten a Nanaimo Mountie last Aug. 25 near the same playground.

A second officer came from behind and arrested Arkell during the high-risk takedown.

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Both incidents, involving officers with guns drawn, happened in broad daylight in front of families with young children.

Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW Arkell is “known for carrying weapons, extremely violent and unpredictable.”

Arkell is also accused of breaching his probation conditions in February, according to court records.

During Arkell’s January sentencing, court heard he had a history of substance abuse and mental health issues.

Arkell remains in custody.

His next court appearance is scheduled for March, 27.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes