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Motorist drives vehicle into Cowichan River after being threatened by ‘aggressive and dangerous’ man

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A road in Cowichan Bay was closed for an hour early Tuesday morning, after reports of an aggressive and dangerous man were received.

Just before 10 a.m. on May 24th, RCMP were forced to close Cowichan Bay Road due to an active and quickly evolving policing incident. 

According to reports, initial reports of an unknown man acting erratically and aggressively on Westcan Terminal Road caused officers to respond. 

However, when they arrived on scene, they located a different individual suffering from an injury.

According to police, the individual’s vehicle was located in a channel of the Cowichan River, in approximately 4 feet of water. 

At the same time, another 911 call was received, reporting that an unknown man arrived at a resident’s home and threatened to steal their vehicle. 

Members of the Shawnigan Lake RCMP and police dog services were contacted for assistance. 

A description of the man was provided and he was quickly located by North Cowichan/Duncan officers not far from the most recent complaint. 

“The man presented what appeared to be a weapon to the on scene members. Immediately a decision to close roads in the area for the safety of the public was made,” said BC RCMP Division Media Relations Officer Sergeant Chris Manseau.

“After several minutes of discussions, and a short foot pursuit through a forested area, the man was taken into custody without incident or injury. The weapon he presented was determined to be a replica.”

Officers thank all drivers and residents in the Cowichan Bay area for their patience during the time that the roads were closed.

“It’s now been determined that the arrested man threatened the driver of the vehicle, leading them to drive off at high speed, causing their vehicle to come to rest in the river,” Manseau added. 

“The person inside the vehicle was transported to hospital for their injuries.”

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