Man wanted after committing Island-wide 'crime spree' in stolen truck, RCMP say
Mounties in several jurisdictions on Vancouver Island are looking for a man suspected of a string of thefts and break-ins that have taken place over the last two weeks.
The series of incidents began in Deep Bay on June 11, according to a news release from Oceanside RCMP, the detachment that serves Parksville and several other communities north of Nanaimo.
Around 6 p.m. that day, a tan Chevy Silverado pickup truck was stolen from the 300 block of Crome Point Road in Deep Bay, according to police, who added that theft wasn't reported until the following day.
In the meantime, just before 8 p.m. on June 11, police received a report of a break-in at a paint store in Qualicum Beach. The truck seen leaving the scene matches the description of the one that had been stolen, police said.
On June 15, Ladysmith RCMP received a report of a hit-and-run crash at a local hardware store. The collision happened just after 11 a.m. and damaged two vehicles, and RCMP say the truck involved in the crash again matched the description of the one that had been stolen in Deep Bay.
Also on June 15, North Cowichan RCMP received a report of a theft from a vehicle in a parking lot in the 2800 block of Mill Street in Chemainus. One of the items stolen was a credit card, which was used at a gas station in the village, police said.
Finally, on June 16, a Lake Cowichan RCMP officer spotted the truck in the 10000 block of Youbou Road in Youbou. The officer noticed that the truck's licence plate was partially obscured by spray paint, which was suspicious, police said.
After checking on the truck and learning it was stolen, the officer attempted to arrest the man by entering the passenger side of the truck. The man evaded the officer and fled on foot, according to RCMP.
A police service dog was called in to help track the man in the forest he had run into, but officers were unable to find him.
Police describe the suspect as a white man with a thin build and short hair. He stands roughly 5'8" tall and was last seen wearing a green Element t-shirt, camouflage-coloured shorts, black socks, white running shoes, a Hockey Canada baseball cap, a bandana over his face and aviator sunglasses.
Anyone who has information about any of the incidents or can help police identify the man should call the Oceanside RCMP detachment at 250-248-6111, police said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.