One count of Aggravated Assault has been laid in connection with a stabbing incident that sent an adult man to hospital with serious injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 AM on Sunday August 14, 2022, in the vicinity of the Port Place Mall.

Attending officers found the victim, a 27-year-old man, with apparent stab wounds to his head. Police, and then EHS provided emergency first aid. The victim remains in the Nanaimo hospital where his condition is considered stable. The suspect, a 51-year-old woman, was located a short distance from the victim and was arrested without incident.

Kimberly Lewis of Nanaimo has been remanded in police custody until August 23, 2022. “Investigators are now tasked with attempting to understand why this happened and if there was an conflict between the two that may have precipitated the incident”, said R/Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

If anyone has information relating to this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-28213.

Lorne Stubbs

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 37-year-old Lorne Stubbs who has not been seen since June 2 ,2022. Stubbs was reported missing to the Nanaimo RCMP on August 1, 2022 and at that time a missing person’s investigation was opened. Family members told investigators that Stubbs lives a transient lifestyle and that their contact with him over the past year has been sporadic. His family simply wishes to confirm that he is well as can be, given his lifestyle.

Stubbs is a Caucasian man, 5 ft.11, 150 pounds with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. The picture provided is relatively recent. Of note, Stubbs has a tattoo on his upper left arm of a cross and a tattoo on his upper right arm that spells KALEB. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Lorne Stubbs, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-26499.
 

The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating the discovery of a body found in a south end home that was destroyed by fire. The fire was reported at approximately 5 PM on Thursday August 11, 2022, and occurred at a home on Athletic St.

City of Nanaimo fire crews were first on scene after black smoke was reported billowing from windows in the home. Crews managed to contain the fire to the home and within forty minutes, the blaze had been extinguished. Fire crews then entered the home and located a deceased adult male. The discovery of the body is deemed suspicious and has been turned over to the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Section for investigation.

If anyone has information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-27862.  

22-08-10 – Two kayakers were lucky to avoid serious injury after being struck by a log that was dropped from a cliff above them. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Saturday August 6, off Jesse Island,  at the entrance to Departure Bay beach

The kayakers, a 43-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, told police they were paddling by the Island exploring some rock features when an individual appeared on the island and some distance above them. They said there was a short exchange with the individual after which they continued paddling.  

A few minutes later, they heard a commotion above them, then looked up to see the same person pushing a large log off a cliff directly above them. The log struck the woman in the back with enough force to knock her out of her kayak and into the water. The log also hit the man. He managed to stay upright in his kayak and assisted her to shore where several witnesses called the police and reported the incident.

With the assistance of the Nanaimo Port Authority vessel, a short time later, Nanaimo RCMP officers attended to the island and arrested a 37-year-old man for Assault with a Weapon. He was later released from police custody on an Undertaking to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court on November 9.

Police took pictures of the log which measured approximately 20 feet in length and 8 inches in diameter.

 “This was bizarre incident and given the size and weight of the log, and distance it fell, the log could have caused serious injury to both individuals”, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The investigation continues.

The Nanaimo RCMP are holding a set of high-end golf clubs that were seized for investigative purposes. The clubs were located on Monday from a golf shop in Nanaimo.

An investigation into the golf clubs led officers to the business where they were being held. While at the business, investigators formed the opinion that the golf clubs had most likely been stolen and as a result, the golf clubs were seized for safe keeping. Investigators do not believe that the golf shop is in anyway associated to the theft.

The pictures provided show some of the irons in the set and the unique logo that is emblazoned on the side of the golf bag. If anyone has information on these clubs or who may own them, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and quote file # 2022-27377.

A Nanaimo man has been arrested and charged with arson to a local Tim Hortons franchise on August 2, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars of damages to the relatively new building. The fire put several dozen employees out of work for up to six months. 

37-year-old Kym Arkell was arrested on Wednesday, August 3, by front line officers and has been remanded into police custody until August 16.

Arkell is a suspect in several other small fires that were set at nearby businesses, however, those incidents are still under investigation and no charges have been laid.

Thefts from sheds and vehicles are two categories that police in every community see an increase in. Thieves are looking for an easy way in where they won't easily be detected. Sensor lights, locks on back gates, even small ones act as deterrents. Never leave anything of value in an unattended vehicle and ensure they are always locked. Lastly, if you hear something late at night, don’t ignore it. Simply turning on a light, opening and closing a door or making noise may be enough to scare off thieves.

If you know of someone who is actively involved in crime or if you have information on any of these crimes, call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

At approximately 3:15 a.m. on July 18 a person stole approximately $3,000 of dog food from Bosley’s Pet Food store,at the University Mall. A CCTV camera from a nearby business showed a man pushing a shopping cart across the parking lot with a large quantity of pet food. It appears entry was made through a rear emergency exit door.

The stolen dog food consisted of 12 ounce tins, with the main brands being Acanna, Orijin, Perform Atrin, and World Canin. The suspect was described as being of shorter stature, and wearing a hooded sweatshirt and black pants. Nanaimo file # 2022-24648 Commercial Break and Enter

Surveillance photo of armed robbery suspect.

Shortly before 9 p.m. on Thursday, a man armed with a knife robbed the James Street General Store, at 600 Victoria Road.

Police along with Dog Services responded immediately to the 911 call. The suspect had fled by the time officers arrived and was not located and a track could not be established. The clerk told officers that the suspect walked in the business, produced a knife then demanded money. The clerk complied and watched as the suspect headed northbound on Needham Street. It is unknown if the suspect left the area on foot or had a bike or other means of transportation waiting nearby.

The clerk was not injured but was shaken by the ordeal. The services of the Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services were requested and they are assisting. The suspect is described as having a dark complexion, 5 ft.10, slim build and was wearing a dark hoody, blue medical mask and gloves.  

If anyone has information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-26969.

Kandace Pirart

UPDATE -  Nanaimo RCMP report that 33-year-old Kandace Pirart has been located safe and sound.

EARLIES STORY - RCMP seek public help in finding 33-year-old Kandace Pirart who was last seen in Nanaimo on Monday.  Her disappearance is out of character and based on this, police and her family are concerned for her safety and overall well-being.

 Kandace is 5 ft. 4, 130 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. The picture is recent. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Kandace Pirart, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-26521.

Aug. 4, 2022

Nanaimo RCMP are looking for Caucasian man and woman associated to white van after a north end home was broken into on July 18.

The owners had been out for less than one hour  and found a window open and numerous items missing, including two spare FOBs for their vehicles, a brown leather Roots purse, a Samsung tablet, two bottles of wine, 12x18 inch dark brown jewelry box, a white gold wedding ring set, a Pandora bracelet with multiple charms, a men’s gold wedding band, a men’s gold ring with JK engraved on face and a set of baby teeth. 

The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a two-vehicle rollover collision which resulted in serious injuries to an occupant of one vehicle and the arrest of a suspect driver. The crash occurred at approximately July 28, on the Trans Canada Highway, between Nanaimo River Road and Morden Road.

The vehicles involved in the crash were a Hyundai Santa Fe and a Volkswagen Tiguan. The driver of the Santa Fe, who was shirtless at the time, fled from the crash scene. With the assistance of Police Dog Services and front line officers, the male suspect was arrested a short distance away. Impairment and speed are being investigated as possible contributing factors to the collision.

A female passenger of the Tiguan was taken to hospital in serious condition. Her husband who was driving, was treated and released at the scene. The victim's dog ran off but was later located.

"This was a very serious collision that occurred at a high rate of speed and resulted in significant injuries," said Constable Simon Gallimore, Nanaimo RCMP Media Relations Officer."It is not an exaggeration to say that, without the prompt medical attention provided by BC Paramedics to the victim, the outcome could have been much worse."

Police request that anyone with dash-cam footage of the collision contact investigators. Dash cam footage of the Santa Fe prior to collision and of the suspect fleeing, would also be of significant value to the investigation.

The Nanaimo RCMP further ask that anyone who witnessed the collision or who witnessed anyone fleeing the scene, contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-25978.

UPDATE - 48-year-old Robert Allen Estes of no fixed address has been charged with the one count of Attempted Murder in connection with a shooting incident on Monday August 1, 2022. The 43-year-old shooting victim remains in hospital. Estes has been remanded into police custody to await his next court appearance, set for Thursday August 11^th in Nanaimo Provincial Court.

As per the missing firearm, a team of investigators, lead by Police Dog Services, searching through a seemingly endless supply of bramble bushes, were rewarded for their efforts with locating the firearm late in the afternoon on Tuesday August 2, 2022. The firearm, which was found in the vicinity of Northfield and Boxwood Road, will undergo a forensic examination.

The investigation continues. 

The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a shooting that sent a 43-year-old man to hospital with serious life threatening injuries. The incident was reported at approximately 3:30 PM on Monday August 1, 2022, in the vicinity of the Northfield Road and the Nanaimo Parkway.

 Police were called after several motorists reported seeing an individual lying on the west side of the highway. The witnesses provided emergency first aid to the victim for an apparent gun shot injury until such time BC Paramedics arrived. The victim was then transported to hospital and later airlifted to a hospital in Victoria for treatment.

Investigators were able to identity a suspect to the shooting and within twenty minutes of the reported shooting, the suspect was located nearby and taken into custody without incident.  The right bound lane near the Northfield intersection was closed for several hours while police examined the scene and searched for forensic evidence.

Today, on Tuesday August 2, 2022, a search warrant was carried out by investigators on an encampment where the suspect resides. Further evidence was gained, however, the firearm used in the shooting was not located. The firearm in question is believed to be a sawed off shotgun that may be in area of Boxwood Road and Northfield. If anyone comes across it, do not touch it and call either 911 or the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

The suspect, a 48-year-old man, was arrested for attempted murder and is expected to be formally charged later today. 

RCMP would like to find the owner of a variety of tools that are believed to have been stolen.  A Nanaimo RCMP officer seized a variety of tools on July 6 that he believed were stolen. They were found in a vehicle parked in the vicinity of 250 Victoria Road. 

The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle that was illegally parked. After speaking with the 37- year old driver, the officer asked him about the origin of some tools that were in the backseat. That led to several nonsensical responses which didn’t add up. 

It became clear to the officer that the tools had most likely been obtained through illegal means. Since he could not definitely establish that the occupants of the vehicle had stolen the tools, he seized the tools for safekeeping. The occupants and their vehicle were then sent on their way without tools.

If these tools belong to you or your company, and you can identify them through receipts, serial numbers or unique markings, please 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-23188.

The Nanaimo RCMP is warning the public of a rental scam after a Nanaimo man was defrauded for several thousand dollars. The incident occurred in early July 2022, and involved a home in the 600 block of Bowen Road.

The complainant told police that he responded to a rental ad on the website Zillow after he found a home to his liking on Bowen Road. The man began communication with a woman who was listed on the ad and went by the name of Ginger Reed. Reed was asking for one month's rent up front and another month rent in order to turn the keys over. Reed provided an email where the rent money could be e-transferred. Reed told the man that the keys and documents for the home would be delivered to him once the money was received.

Reed then sent the man a copy of lease documents and an out of province driver’s license with the name and picture for Ginger Reed.

The next day the man went to the home listed on the ad and much to his surprise, it appeared to be occupied with several vehicles parked in the driveway. The man was able to confirm through a friend that Reed’s name was not on the ownership title of the home. At this point, he came to the conclusion that he had been scammed and did not forward the remainder of the money.

The victim contacted police and handed over the fake documents that he received. Investigators contacted Zillow and the advertisement for the home was taken down. The investigation is continuing.

, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Here are some tips to consider before entering into a rental agreement

• the landlord does not meet you in person
• The landlord does not require credit or reference check
• Name of the landlord is not on the rental documents
• There is a different name for the recipient of the e-transfer
• The home is already occupied
• Do a google search of the address and landlord
• Talk to the neighbours
• Arrange to do a walk through of the unit
• Be familiar with the Residential Tenancy Branch rules and regulations

To protect yourself please find attached a link to the Residential Tenancy Act and for information on current scams, a link to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 

Suspect in north end shooting

The investigation into a brazen early evening shooting in a north end Nanaimo neighbourhood continues with investigators releasing a photo of one of the suspects.The shooting, which sent an adult man to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries, occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on July 7, outside a residence on Laguna Way. (original release attached).

Investigators have determined that the shooting resulted from a dispute between the suspect and a resident in the home, and culminated with the suspect shooting the victim in the leg. 
The image released shows the suspect walking up the driveway towards the victim’s home just prior the shooting. Of note, the identity of another suspect is also being sought. While there are no images of this individual, this individual was known to be driving an older model white Honda Accord as the getaway vehicle.

Police do not believe there is any wider risk to the public. If you have any information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-23386.

Elisabeth Rose Gilbert

A warrant of arrest has been issued for 32-year-old Elisabeth Rose Gilbert of Nanaimo after she missed a recent court date. The warrants stem from original charges of Theft Under $5000 and Breach of Probation.

With respect to the theft charge, in late May of 2022, Gilbert, who has numerous prior convictions for theft, allegedly stole a number of items from Thrifty Foods Store in the Port Place Mall.  She was apprehended by a Loss Prevention Officer then released on an Undertaking to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court. Concerning the breach charge, it is alleged that Gilbert attended to Rexall Drugs on Dufferin Crescent, in contravention of an earlier condition that prohibited here from going to that business. 

“Miss Gilbert seems to have forgotten that she needs to deal with these charges by appearing in Nanaimo Provincial Court. When she is located, our officers will not be issuing her any reminders, and she can expect to be arrested”, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Elisabeth Gilbert is a Caucasian woman, 5 ft. 6, 150 pounds, and the picture provided is recent. If anyone has information on her whereabouts, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-9686.

William Elliot

The Nanaimo RCMP announce that 31-year old William Elliot,  who had not been seen since July 7,  has been located safe and sound.

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old William Elliot who has not been seen since Thursday July 7. Elliot is experiencing significant personal difficulties and as a result, his friends and family are extremely concerned for his personal well being and safety.

Elliot frequents downtown Nanaimo and it is believed to be in the Nanaimo area. He is an Indigenous man, 5 ft.7 stocky build with a pock marked face. The picture is relatively recent. The only clothing description provided has him wearing a blue baseball cap and blue bandana.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of William Elliot, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 20022-23395.

File photo of bear spray dispenser

There’s always someone who has to spoil the fun. Two dragon boaters were bear-sprayed by an irate motorist Sunday afternoon Cliff Street.

Police and EHS attended. The victims, a couple in their early 60s, told police they were walking back to their vehicle along Cliff Stree when a vehicle drove by. The driver slowed down and began to berate them for walking in the middle of the road.

The male pedestrian responded to the driver that there were no sidewalks and that it was relatively quiet street. The two carried on but seconds later, the same driver pulled up next to them. The first thing they saw was a mist of bear-spray being discharged at them. The male pedestrian took the brunt of it in his face, while his wife got some on her lips.

The driver fled and was last seen going westbound. A witness managed to take a picture of the license plate with his cell phone and later provided this to police.

Both victims were treated at the scene by EHS. The suspect driver is a Caucasian man, mid to late 20s, who was driving an older model silver compact car. The victims were unable to provide a description of the suspects clothing. Based on the license plate provided, police have followed up with the registered owner who denies any knowledge of the incident.

If anyone has information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-23707.

Two City of Nanaimo employees with a keen sense of awareness are credited with interrupting a potentially-dangerous child luring incident, that involved a man in his 50s and a female youth between age 11-15. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on June 29, at Robins Park in south Nanaimo.

The two witnesses told police they were prepping the baseball diamond for game that night when they caught site of the man and girl. The witnesses said that the two were siting very close to each other in the bleachers and by their interactions and body gestures, it did not appear that it was a father-daughter relationship. After watching them interact for some time the witnesses reported what they observed to the police.

When officers arrived, the girl told the officer that she was under the impression her male friend was 25 years old. She also said she met him through an online social media platform called V-sing, which allows users to record themselves while singing. It also has a chat option and private message function.

She said she had been communicating with the man for nine months through V-sing as well as face timing on a daily basis using her personal cell phone. She said the two of them were nothing more than good friends. The adult was spoken to privately. His true age was confirmed to be 53 and that he had arrived in Nanaimo that day after travelling from his home in a mid-western U.S.state. He told officers he was booked into a local hotel for the next two days.

He tried unconvincingly to tell the officer that he and the girl were just friends. When asked, he did not deny that his intentions could be seen as being sexual in nature. As there was insufficient evidence at the time to detain him, the man was allowed to leave. He was told to depart Nanaimo immediately and return to his home in the United States. That evening, the Canada Border Security Agency confirmed that he had crossed the Canadian border and had returned to the USA.

, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The following are some points to consider when it comes to keeping our kids safe online:

• Try to engage them conversation about their online activity
• Know who your children’s online friends are
• Monitor what apps and websites that they are using and when
• Do not allow cell phones, tablets or any electronic device in their bedrooms
• Tell your children to keep their location settings private 

For more online safety tips, log into the Canadian Child Prevention Centre at https://www.protectchildren.ca/en/ 

Brad Bozak

UPDATE –As luck would have it, this individual was arrested a short time prior to the issuance of the news release. He is now enjoying short term accommodations at the Nanaimo RCMP detachment. We believe his plans for the weekend have effectively been canceled. 

EARLIER - Arrest warrants have been issued for a Nanaimo man who recently missed a scheduled court appearance. The warrants are for the original charges he faces, that include Possession of a Weapon dangerous to the public peace, Obstruction, Mischief under $5000, and Possession of a Controlled Substance under the CDSA.

Bozak’s charges arise from an incident on March 25, 2022 on Cavan Street, where it is alleged he used a knife to slash the tire of a police officer’s vehicle. The incident was observed by several persons, including the police officer whose tire was slashed. Bozak attempted to flee but was caught by the officer after a short foot chase. Upon his arrest, the knife believed to have been used was found hidden in in his clothing, along with a small amount of illegal drugs.

Bozak is a Caucasian man, 5 ft. 8, 200 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. The picture provided is recent. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Bryan Bozak, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-10096.

220708 – One person has been taken to hospital with serious non life threatening injuries after a reported shooting. The incident occurred at approximately 8 PM on Thursday July 7, 2022, outside a residence in north Nanaimo. 

Numerous officers responded to the incident. The injured person, a man in his early 30’s, was treated at the scene by attending BC Paramedics, who then transported the injured party to hospital. Police spoke with several witnesses who observed the suspect flee in a vehicle.

“There were no other reported injuries and from information gathered to date, this appears to have been an isolated incident”, said R/Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. 

If anyone has witness information related to this incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-23386.

Michael Bonson

220707 -Warrants have been issued for the arrest of 34-year-old Michael Bonson of Nanaimo after he recently failed to appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court. Bonson is wanted for Resist Arrest, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 5, Possess a Restricted Firearm, Possess a Prohibited Weapon, and Fraud.

Bonson has had several interactions with police throughout central Vancouver Island that have involved either drugs, illegal weapons or resisting arrest. The most notable occurred in late September of 2020 when an officer in Nanaimo pulled over a vehicle that Bonson was operating. During the traffic check, the officer formed grounds to arrest Bronson for possessing illegal drugs. Bonson resisted his arrest and a violent struggle ensued. During the melee, the officer deployed his Taser, however it was ineffective. Bonson broke free and managed to flee in his vehicle and was not located.

Just two weeks earlier, North Cowichan RMCP found Bonson in a parked vehicle. Officers arrested him after locating not only a quantity of illegal drugs but also a set of brass knuckles, an imitation firearm, drug sheets and scales. Charges are before the courts on from that incident.

Bonson is a Caucasian man, 5 ft. 11, 180 pounds, with short balding blonde hair. He is known to sport a moustache, goatee or beard, and the picture provided is relatively recent. If you have information on the whereabouts of Michael Bonson, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2019-35462.

Cst. Gary O'Brien

By Cst. Gary O'Brien
Media Relations Officer
Nanaimo RCMP

Child abductions don’t happen often, but they do happen. Families should take measures to protect themselves.

The Nanaimo RCMP has tips for parents to help them quickly find a child that has been abducted and preventive measures that can help keep a child from being taken in the first place.

Since 2019, there have been 40,425 accounts of missing children in Canada. Of those, runaways accounted for the majority at 30,000, while 122 were abducted by a parent and 16 were stranger abductions. As a parent these statistics should reassure you, while at the same time, worry you.

And when it does occur, there are often no immediate leads to turn to. The reasons for abducting a child vary. It could be for sexual purposes, a desire to harm the child or hurt the family, or for reasons motivated by money (i.e. extortion)

With all of the information available to parents on how to best protect their child, how does a parent decide on the best advice? Often the best advice is the simplest and easiest to understand- Keep it simple, keep it sensible, and keep it suitable. Make it short and sweet so that a child can understand it. Also, make it realistic and easy to follow.

Let us take a look at some of these:

• The best thing you can do for your child’s safety is prepare for the worst in advance. Putting together a  is an invaluable tool that can help immensely if your child goes missing. The kit should contain a recent colour photo of them and include the following information: age, height, weight, full names, nicknames, blood type, eye colour, hair color, sex, ethnicity, allergies, unique features such as birthmarks, braces, glasses, tattoos, and piercings. The kit should also include fingerprints and DNA (their toothbrush or hair). Your local police department may also have portable fingerprint strips available to you.
• Teach your child their full name, phone number, and address. Also teach them that their parents have names too and not just Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, Auntie etc.
• Many parents choose to give their child a whistle or noise making device. Make sure they know what it is intended for and do not allow them to wear it around their neck as it could be a choking device.
• Establish a safe word for pick ups by persons to use other than their immediate family or caregivers.
• If your child thinks that they are being followed, have them run in the opposite direction and make as much noise as possible. Teach them to yell  and not .
• While attending amusement parks, or any event where there are many in attendance, take a picture of your children just as you enter. In the event they go missing, you can quickly show or share with police or security exactly what your child is wearing and what they look like.
• Teach your children that police officers are trusting adults who can help them if they are lost or in need of help

Lastly, there are a number of safety tips that are available online.These are just some of the tips that we feel can help to keep your children safe and aware as possible.

Thanks to the assistance of the public, a Nanaimo man was arrested with approximately two kilograms of suspected cocaine after he was involved in a motor vehicle rollover. The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. on April 16, at the intersection of Estevan Road and Departure Bay Road.

43-year-old Nicholas Harris of Nanaimo was released later that same evening on an Undertaking to appear on drug charges for June 10, 2022, in Nanaimo Provincial Court.

Police were alerted after several calls were received of a motor vehicle that had rolled at the  intersection, and that the driver had crawled out of the wreck and fled on foot. Several witnesses kept an eye on the driver and provided information on the suspect's movement and location.

Several minutes later, officers arrived and located the suspect in the parking lot of Brooks Landing Mall. Officers initially detained him for impaired driving by alcohol, however, their focus quickly shifted after noting that he was holding two bricks of suspected cocaine. The drugs later weighed in at two kilograms. Harris was arrested and later released on an Undertaking for court in June.

The vehicle involved, a newer model black Jaguar convertible, was seized by police and towed from the scene.

"The officers who located the suspect were gobsmacked to find the suspect with such a large quantity of illegal drugs”, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. "The officers extend their sincere appreciation to the bystanders who assisted officers by staying at the scene and provided real time updates which allowed investigators to locate the suspect quickly and efficiently, before he had the opportunity to hide or destroy the drugs, said O’Brien.

Harris appeared in Nanaimo Provincial Court June 10 and was formally charged with one count of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He was released from custody with his next court appearance slated for late August.

Tyler Nolan

The search continues for missing 38-year-old Tyler Nolan who was reported missing to the Nanaimo RCMP on May 31, 2022. 

As previously reported, the last confirmed sighting of Nolan was on May 18, at the Duke Point ferry terminal. Based on information that police have been able to obtain, investigators do not believe that Nolan boarded the ferry for the Lower Mainland, and that he is still in the Nanaimo area. Nolan is of no fixed address.

All emergency shelters and homeless encampments scattered through Nanaimo have been checked with no success. Officers have also liaised with neighbouring detachments in the event that Nolan has moved on to those areas.

Nolan is a Caucasian man, 5. ft. 9. 150 pounds, and the picture provided is relatively recent. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Tyler Nolan, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-18342.

If you recently lost a significant amount of money, you can thank a Good Samaritan for finding it then turning over to the RCMP for safekeeping. The money was found approximately 3 weeks ago on a sidewalk in a north end Nanaimo neighbourhood.

The 37-year-old man who found the cash, told police he had just headed out for his morning run and  it was around 7:30 AM when his eye caught sight of what appeared to be Canadian currency lying on the sidewalk. He stopped to pick it up when he saw more bills strewn about. He didn’t see an envelope anywhere and it appeared that the money had originally been folded over. He picked all of it up then carried on with his run. Upon returning home, he called the police who came to his and took possession of the money.

, said R/Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The amount of money is somewhere between $200-$2000. If you recently lost a significant amount of money, give us a call at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-19186. 

Suspect runs from store with stolen tools.

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual shown in the attached photo. It is alleged that at approximately 6:30 PM, on June 11,2022, this person stole several Milwaukee brand tools from Home Depot in Nanaimo.

The suspect was captured on video surveillance running out the main doors carrying two red boxes that contained the stolen merchandise. At the time of the theft, he was wearing a blue medical mask, red sweater, black shorts, black runners and white socks. If anyone has information on the identity of this person, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-20174.

The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public's assistance to help identify the individual shown in the attached photos. It is alleged that at approximately 5:40 AM on Monday June 13, 2022, this person attempted to break in to the Royal Lepage building located at 4180 Island Highway West.

Security video captured the suspect walking onto the rear deck of the property. He then produced a screw driver and spent upwards of thirty minutes attempting to pry open the rear door of the building and locked electrical socket. He eventually gave up and walked off the property.

The suspect is a Caucasian man, heavy set, 5 ft. 7 inches and was wearing dark coloured clothing, and carrying a backpack. He was also wearing a ball cap. If anyone has information the identity of this individual, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-20142.

The Nanaimo RCMP have seized a vehicle in connection with an ongoing hit and run investigation that resulted in an adult woman being sent to hospital with significant injuries. Her dogs, which she and her husband were walking at the time, were also injured. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 PM on March 4, 2022, on Lorenzen Lane which is located at the end of Superior Road, in Lantzville.

Recently, the investigation lead officers with the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit to a home in Lantzville where a vehicle was seized for a forensic investigation. The owner of the vehicle was identified and provided a statement to investigators.

, said R/Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. At this time no charges have been laid.

If anyone has information on this hit and run, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-7458.

Original news release: https://nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=876&languageId=1&contentId=74080  
 

Simon Baker

Twenty-one-year-old Simon Baker, of Nanaimo, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Denise Allick, 40, of Victoria on June 20.

On that date at approximately 10 p.m., police responded to a report of a disturbance outside a residence in south Nanaimo. Allick had died because of her injuries, and Baker was arrested a short time later without incident.  
 
He remains in custody, his next court appearance was scheduled for 2 p.m. today in Nanaimo.
 
Police do not know why Allick, was in Nanaimo on that date, nor has there been confirmation that Baker and Allick knew each other. The Nanaimo RCMP would like to speak with anyone who has information about why she was Nanaimo. 

To report information please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non emergency line at 250-754-3245, quote file 2022-9074 and request to speak to an officer with the Serious Crime Unit.

Suspect stealing bicycle

Do you know this man? RCMP are trying to identify him in the investigation of a bicycle theft outside a Nanaimo high school. RCMP released a surveillance image of the suspect on Monday. The bike was stolen near Wellington Secondary School on June 2.  Police say a man walked up to the bicycle, removed a set of bolt cutters from a backpack and cut the lock before riding away.

Investigators are looking for a white man aged 25 to 30 years, five feet, 10 inches tall with a muscular build. He has short blond hair and was wearing a black mask, a sleeveless grey shirt and blue jeans.

The stolen bike belonged to a Grade 9 student at Wellington and is a black and red Supercyle mountain bike with serial number AH15E087496.

Eighty per cent of all 911 calls are not considered to be emergencies. If you are reporting an emergency consider the following before dialing 911

• is it a situation when someone’s life is in danger or there is an immediate threat
• is crime in progress (i.e. Break and Enter, Assault, Robbery, Spousal dispute, etc.)
• is it a serious crime has just occurred and the suspect may not be far or may return
• is there a good chance of arresting a suspect or preventing the development of a serious crime

Please remember, if you accidentally dial 911 stay on the line and advise the call-taker. If the call-taker cannot reach you, the police will be required to send an officer which means they cannot respond to other calls for service.

Crimes can be reported on line. The following can be reported from the comfort of your home:

• Theft under $5000
• Mischief to property or vehicle under $5000
• Lost property under $5000
• Theft of bicycle under $5000
• Theft from vehicle under $5000

The following cannot be reported on-line:

• If there are suspects
• If an item that is stolen or lost has a serial number
• Personal identify items, firearms, vehicle license plates or decals

Link to:  Online crime reporting

Nanaimo RCMP responded to 987 calls for service in the first week in June. Fifty per cent consisted of: Disturbances, Suspicious Persons/ Vehicles, Check Well-Being, Unwanted Persons, Traffic, and Theft. The remaining calls ranged from Drugs, Assist Other Agencies, Abandoned 911, Break and Enters, Breach of Peace, Harassment, Alarms and Mischief.

Check Well Being calls are a priority call for service. Typically, Check Well-Being calls may involve individuals who are in the throes of any number of addictions, they may lack appropriate housing, or have untreated mental health and/or medical issues. As a result, these calls are sensitive in nature, time consuming, and often require multiple officers and agencies to respond for a successful resolution, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The following is an example of the Check Well-Being calls:

Nanaimo file # 2022-18495 Check Well-Being. Just before 8 a.m. on June 1, police and EHS responded to a report of an adult man lying on the sidewalk on Terminal Avenue in central Nanaimo. Officers were able to rouse him; he appeared to be a little drowsy from possible drug usage. Overall though he was fine. He was helped to his feet and declined medical treatment. He walked around to show the officers that he was ok and then left on foot. Officers suspect the man had passed out after consuming street drugs that fortunately for him, were not toxic.

Nanaimo file # 2022-18470 Check Well-Being. Just after midnight on June 1, officers responded to a call to assist EHS in downtown Nanaimo with a despondent man who was in the midst of a significant mental health crisis. When officers arrived, the individual begged to be admitted to hospital for treatment. He was transported to the Nanaimo hospital where he received the treatment he so desired and needed.

The Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals who recently broke in to Winners- HomeSense, located at 6950 Island Highway North. The incident occurred just after 6 AM on Sunday June 12, 2022.

Officers responded to an alarm that was activated at 6:12 AM. When they arrived on scene, officers  noted that the front sliding glass doors had been breached. Inside the store, several glass cases containing jewelry had been smashed with most of the contents taken. Still photos obtained showed two suspects entering the business at 6:07 AM. The two were then seen running directly toward the jewelry cases. It is unknown at this time what estimated loss is of stolen jewelry.

The photos attached show the two suspects with their faces covered, and one rolling several suitcases out of the store. If anyone has information on this incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-20007.