Police say a man was robbed by someone using a loaded crossbow and pistol in the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 18 in south Nanaimo (File photo)
alarming offence

Loaded crossbow robbery lands Nanaimo man in jail

Feb 21, 2023 | 4:44 PM

NANAIMO — A Nanaimo man is in custody after allegedly using a hunting crossbow during a weekend robbery.

Dustin Derreck Pacheco was arrested on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 18, after police received a report of a man threatened and robbed by a man armed with a pistol and crossbow.

Police say the incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. that day near the intersection of Milton St. and Nicol St.

Officers responded to the scene and located the suspect not long after.

A loaded hunting crossbow and several knives were retrieved by police in a nearby bush.

A firearm was not located.

Cst. Gary O’Brien with the Nanaimo RCMP said this is an example of the community working together to ensure public safety.

“The purchase of this cross bow was actually reported to police just days prior by staff at a Nanaimo retail store who were concerned about the purchase,” O’Brien stated in a news release.

Pacheco has an extensive criminal record in B.C. with charges dating back to 2004, including weapons offences and driving infractions.

Pacheco’s next court appearance on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.

He remains in custody.

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