Oceanside RCMP have arrested a prolific offender believed responsible for, then fleeing from, a truck crash on Hwy. 19 in March. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

IN CUSTODY

Prolific offender arrested in connection to Island highway rollover crash

May 20, 2021 | 7:18 PM

PARKSVILLE — Oceanside RCMP have caught up to a pair accused of fleeing from a rollover crash near Qualicum Beach in March.

Police arrested 32-year-old Sheldon James Johanson at a home in Parksville on Tuesday, May 18 in relation to the crash after officers used video recorded by on-lookers to identify him.

Johanson and an as-yet-unnamed woman were allegedly driving a stolen truck which lost control, crossed the centre median of the highway near Horne Lake Rd. and rolled into the southbound lane on the evening of March 14. Police say the pair then left on a dirt bike which was in the back of the truck.

“It was very fortunate that witnesses recognized the seriousness of the event, took video and stuck around to share the information with the police. We have them to thank for bringing Johanson to justice,” Sgt. Stephen Rose said in a statement.

Police recovered a stolen, loaded gun in the truck.

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Charges are still pending for the woman, while Johanson remains in police custody ahead of a court appearance on May 25.

He’s facing charges of possession of stolen property and firearms offences.

Johanson is a prolific offender throughout Vancouver Island with charges of theft, possession of stolen property, assault with a weapon and breaching probation orders across multiple Island communities dating back to early 2008.

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