Police on Gabriola Island arrested an allegedly intoxicated and violent man after he broke into a home late at night and threatened two people inside. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

multiple charges

Allegedly violent, intoxicated man breaks in & sets fire to Gabriola Island home

Oct 16, 2023 | 9:06 AM

GABRIOLA ISLAND — A 45-year-old man faces multiple charges after a violent break and enter resulted in substantial fire damage to a home.

First responders on Gabriola Island were called to a home in the 2500 block of North Rd. just after midnight on Oct. 7, after a man allegedly broke into the property, intoxicated and with a weapon.

He demanded two senior residents inside leave immediately, which they did unharmed.

Witnesses to the incident reported the suspect was highly agitated and caused substantial damage to the property, including setting a fire inside the home.

Local Mounties were able to arrest the man, Nathan Neil Macleod, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

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Damage from the fire was contained largely to a single room, with Gabriola Volunteer Fire Rescue personnel extinguishing the blaze.

He was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, via transport from the Nanaimo Port Authority.

Macleod faces multiple charges including break and enter, arson damaging property, mischief over $5,000, failure to comply with a probation order, and two counts of possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose.

He has remained in police custody since the incident and appeared in court Thursday, Oct. 12, and is scheduled to appear again on Monday, Oct. 16.

Police noted Macleod is not a resident of Gabriola Island.

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