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Bail granted for woman caught in high-profile Nanaimo takedown

Jan 3, 2019 | 4:23 PM

NANAIMO — A woman accused of a Nanaimo break and enter which led to a vigilante-style arrest has been granted bail.

Natasha Geraldine Harris, 28, was released on bail Thursday under the condition she reside in a healing lodge in the Fraser Valley.

Harris is accused of stealing items from a Marisa St. home before allegedly being chased by a resident through several backyards.

Police said the chase ended in a “very violent altercation,” resulting in injuries to the couple who tracked down and contained a suspect prior to RCMP arriving.

Harris had been jailed since the Dec. 4 incident on a charge of break and enter and two counts of assault with a weapon.

Her next court appearance is Jan. 15.

Harris’ interim release sends her from a Maple Ridge jail to the Spiritual Quest Wellness Society in Chilliwack.

Judge Douglas Cowling said it’s important Harris doesn’t go AWOL at the healing lodge.

“There is a large element of trust in you being released to this program…how you do in the program could be a big factor if you are found guilty in this matter,” Cowling said.

Harris’ bail involves several conditions, including not leaving the treatment facility without permission, not using drugs and completing all programs as directed by its staff.

Court records showed Harris was on probation at the time of the alleged December break and enter and has a lengthy criminal history.

She was convicted last summer of a theft in Nanaimo, spent one day in jail, and was handed one-year probation.

 

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes