Bear banger in Campbell River prompts extensive police response through mid-Island

NANAIMO — Specialized units rushed through the mid-Island Friday morning, en route to Campbell River for an eventual false alarm.

Upwards of 15 vehicles from the south Island were spotted by morning commuters on Friday, June 5, speeding through Ladysmith, Nanaimo, and Parksville, with the convoy including several unmarked vehicles, Emergency Response Team vans and other specialized RCMP vehicles.

All were headed to Campbell River after a call which came in around 7:15 a.m. and reported shots being fired at a residence on 7th Ave. and a potential kidnapping.

“Campbell River RCMP responded to the area with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team,” a statement from police read. “Upon interviewing witnesses at the scene, police determined that one of the witnesses had fired a “bear banger” in hopes that someone would call 911.”