A 27-year-old man has been arrested after he scaled a Nanaimo heritage building and broke into a business.
Just after 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19th, police were alerted when several local residents reported they could hear foot stomps on the roof of a downtown building located on Church Street.
Officers quickly arrived on scene, determining the unknown person had used a stolen ladder to gain access to a heritage building.
The suspect had then unlawfully entered several businesses located on the second floor of the building.
Officers surrounded the building, attempting to de-escalate the man who would frequently stick his head out through the windows that he had previously broken.
The officers attempted to have him leave the property peacefully, however, he did not comply.
While some officers kept an eye on the suspect via the nearby Coast Bastion hotel rooftop, others were working with Nanaimo fire crews in breaching the front door to the business.
During the apprehension, police service dog Knight was utilized to subdue the uncooperative male.
PD Knight sustained several minor injuries to his paws and required medical treatment at a local animal hospital.
“This was an extremely dynamic situation where investigators were faced with apprehending a highly unpredictable and violent offender who appeared to be under the influence of unknown substances,” said Constable Gary O’Brien.
“Police Service Dog Knight and his handler were instrumental in bringing this critical incident to a relatively quick conclusion.”
The suspect, who is not from Nanaimo, was taken into custody with minor injuries that were treated on scene by paramedics.
He was later released from custody with his first appearance in Nanaimo Provincial Court set for June 2022.
He is facing recommended charges of break and enter, theft under $5000 and mischief.
