Thursday, March 28, 2024

Wanted Vancouver Island man found driving stolen BC Ambulance vehicle

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A man wanted by the both West Shore and Sooke RCMP detachments for a series of crimes has been arrested in Port Alberni after he was found driving a stolen BC Ambulance vehicle.

On Friday July 22nd, Port Alberni RCMP said they received several calls of a suspicious man driving an SUV belonging to the BC Ambulance Service.

It was later confirmed the vehicle was stolen a day prior in the Ucluelet area.

Prior to the vehicle being found abandoned west of Port Alberni, police confirmed the suspect driving the vehicle was the same man sought by both West Shore RCMP and Sooke RCMP.

Due to the nature of the previous crimes and potential the suspect may be in possessions of weapons stolen during a break and enter the day prior near Sooke, the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Police Dog Services and Air 8 helicopter were called in to assist.

Port Alberni RCMP located the suspect prior to ERT arriving and arrested him without incident.

“We truly appreciate the concern and vigilance of the public and the assistance from the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and Air Support,” said Constable Richard Johns.

“The citizens reporting the suspicious activity were instrumental in ending this man’s crime spree.”

Last Thursday, July 21st, West Shore RCMP released surveillance photos of the suspect they say is suspected of stealing a vehicle and was “armed and dangerous”.

He also failed to stop for police after several attempts were made.

The incident began between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19th when witnesses observed the man behind the wheel of a stolen 2010 black Dodge Caravan vehicle near the intersection of Admirals and Craigflower Roads in View Royal.

RCMP said the vehicle was then involved in several investigations the following day around Sooke which include uttering threats and residential break-ins, including one that involved the theft of a firearm.

The vehicle was later spotted between Sooke and Ladysmith last Wednesday night.

Police said several attempts were made to stop the vehicle between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., however the driver refused to stop.

Police were eventually able to identify the suspect on Friday before his arrest later that day.

The suspect is being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing for multiple charges from various communities across the southern Vancouver Island.

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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