Can you identify these two shoplifting suspects?
Do you know the two women in this photo?
The Nanaimo RCMP is asking the public for assistance in identifying the two women in the photo. On January 21, they are suspected of stealing a number of beauty products from Sally Beauty, 6894 Island Highway North.
Police attended to the business and spoke with an employee who said the twomen entered the business just before 4 p.m., selected a number of items which included a blow dryer and hair products, then left without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise. Closed circuit pictures were obtained and to date, the suspects have not been identified.
The two are Caucasian, early to mid twenties, wearing glasses and toques. One appears to have bright pinkish/red hair. If anyone has information on the identity of these individuals, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
One person in hospital with gunshot
wounds following downtown shooting
A 39-year-old man is in hospital with serious non-life threatening injuries following a weekend shooting at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday in the vicinity of the Coast Bastion Hotel.
Police, BCEHS and Fire responded. The incident was initially reported by Community Safety Officers (CSO’s) who were on patrol when they were flagged down by the victim who was bleeding heavily from a facial injury. He told the officers that he had been shot. Attending BCEHS provided emergency care and transported the victim to the Nanaimo hospital.
The area surrounding the hotel was closed off to the public to allow investigators time to search the parking and surrounding area for forensic evidence. To date, no arrests have been made and the firearm involved has not been located.
If anyone has information on this incident which includes video, photos or dash cam footage of the area from 7:30 PM to 8 PM, on Saturday March 18, 2023, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
Investigation continues into daytime shooting
The Nanaimo RCMP continues to investigate a shooting that sent a Nanaimo man to hospital with serious injuries. To date, no arrests have been made in the incident that occurred at approximately 3:30 PM on Sunday March 12, 2023, in the vicinity of Barsby Ave and Mill St.
Since the incident occurred, investigators have been reviewing numerous videos provided by businesses, witnesses, and dash cam evidence from motor vehicles. Numerous witness statements have also been taken and the team of investigators have also consulted with neighbouring police jurisdictions and other agencies.
“Investigators are confident that they are moving forward and truly appreciate the cooperation and information that has been provided by general public. Investigators are also aware that there are people in the community who may have information about the incident but for whatever reason, they have not come forward. We need to hear from them”, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
The individual who was shot remains in hospital and there is no time line as to when he will be released. “The Nanaimo RCMP remains committed to ensuring the safety of all its citizens, and we will work with individuals, when lawful to do so, to solve crime and retrieving suspected stolen property”, said O’Brien.
To assist the police in retrieving stolen property, please consider the following crime prevention tips:
-Engrave all electronics, tools and valuables with an identifying number. Engravers can be purchased at most retail stores
-Take pictures of all electronics, tools and valuables
-Bikes should be registered at www.project529.com
-Report all thefts to the police and then to your Block Watch if you are part of one
If you suspect an individual has stolen property:
-Do not confront them
-Call the police immediately and provide details
-If you decide to follow them, do so from a safe distance
-By using your phone, let the police know where you are, what the suspect is wearing and provide any other useful details.
“Remember, at the end of the day, nothing is more valuable than your safety and well-being”, said O’Brien. If anyone has information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. MORE
Man arrested for hypodermic needle on bow and arrow
A 32-year-old Nanaimo man has been arrested on weapons charges and for assaulting a peace officer. The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on Monday March 13,in the parking lot of the Port Place Mall.
Officers responded to a report of a man who had been threatening staff and bystanders in the area with a stick and toy bow and arrow that appeared to have a hypodermic needle extending from the end. Officers quickly located the suspect and as they approached, the suspect fled. A short foot chase and struggle ended with the suspect being arrestedand taken into custody.
Adam Cajander was held in custody to await a judicial bail hearing. Cajander was formally charged with Assaulting a Police Officer, Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public Peace, Uttering Threats and Resisting Arrest. He was then remanded into police custody to await his next court appearance that has been set for March 28.
Police searching
for stolen motorcycle
The Nanaimo RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a stolen motorcycle. The red Suzuki GSXR street bike, as shown in the attached photos, was taken sometime between 10 PM on Sunday March 5, 2023, and 4:30 AM on Monday March 6, 2023, from a carport of a home located in the 100 block of Kerr St.
The owner told police that the motorcycle had no plates on it as it was off the road for the winter, and was parked in the back of his carport behind two vehicles. The door to the carport door was held closed by two zap straps that were found cut and lying on the ground. The VIN for the bike is JS1GR7MA412100764.
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of the motorcycle or knowledge of the theft, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
RCMP Youth Camp
is back and seeking applicants
If you are in Grade 11 or 12 in School District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith), 69 (Oceanside), 70 (Pacific Rim) or 79 (Cowichan Valley) and you are thinking of a career in law enforcement or as an emergency responder this experience is for you, said Corporal Jana Rose, whose Nanaimo RCMP Youth Unit is responsible for organizing the five-day event.
Running, self-defence, law, forensics, marching, team building and many other activities make up this action packed week. Previous recruits have commented that their days are full and it really gave them an insight into what law enforcement is all about and what it takes to become a real Mountie, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien Media Spokesman for the Nanaimo RCMP.
The cost for the camp is $400 and all candidates must beable to pass a fitness test, a Police Information Check, and have good attendance at their school. To apply, candidates can contact any of the School Liaison Officers listed at their schools or any school counsellor. Assistance with enrollment fees is possible through fund raising. Please contact your RCMP School Liaison Officer or GuidanceCounsellor for assistance. Application deadline is March 11.
Missing Nanaimo woman found safe
UPDATE – Nanaimo RCMP report that a woman who was missing has now been located safe and sound.
Nanaimo RCMP seek public’s assistance in locating 29-year-old Cheyenne Davidson. A member of Davidson’s family requested a check well-being as they had been unable to connect with her for several months. Cheyenne is believed to be of no fixed address. As a result of the information provided to police, there is concern for her safety and well-being.
Investigators have followed up with various jurisdictions on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, and have attempted to contact any known friends or associates. To date, these efforts have not proved successful.
She is Caucasian, 5 ft.7, 140 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. The picture is recent. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Cheyenne Davidson, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
Investigation continues into Walmart fire
The investigation into a fire that was intentionally set at Walmart continues and to date, no suspects have been identified. The fire was reported at approximately 1:45 PM on Wednesday February 22, 2023, in the diaper section of an aisle in Walmart.
The fire was quickly doused by an employee, however; the resulting smoke damage forced the store to be evacuated and close for several days to allow the building to be properly ventilated.
“While the investigation is moving forward, investigators have not been able to identify a primary suspect, and that is frustrating”, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. If anyone has any information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
Pedestrian seriously injured
in collosion with motor vehicle
23/03/01
The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a collision between a motor vehicle and pedestrian. The incident occurred at approximately 11:20 PM on Tuesday February 28, 2023, at the intersection of Mostar Road/Rutherford Road and Highway 19a.
Police, EHS and Fire responded. The victim, an adult woman, was treated at the scene by attending BC Paramedics then transported to the Nanaimo hospital for emergency medical treatment. The driver of the vehicle involved, also an adult woman, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
While only preliminary, it appears that the driver, who was operating a grey older model Volkswagen Jetta, was proceeding south-bound through the intersection in the slow lane, when her vehicle struck the woman. Investigators believe the victim was attempting to walk through the intersection from Mostar Road towards Rutherford Road when struck.
Police were unable to identify any independent witnesses who may have witnessed the collision. Investigators have ruled out alcohol and or drugs as contributing factors on the part of the driver, and the pedestrian was noted to be wearing dark non-reflective clothing.
Both lanes of the highway were closed for several hours while investigators, including an RCMP Collision Analyst, examined the scene. The vehicle involved sustained significant front-end damage and was towed from the scene, and will undergo a mechanical inspection.
If anyone witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage of the incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit at 250-754-2345.
Owner helps in arrest of property offender
23/02/27
A 36-year-old man was arrested on property crime related offences following an early morning break and enter to a commercial property in downtown Nanaimo. The incident occurred at approximately 4 AM on Tuesday February 21, 2023, and involved a business located in the 100 block of Terminal Ave.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Terminal Ave North when the business owner reported seeing an unknown person inside his compound. It appeared from CCTV footage that the individual was attempting to steal various items.
When police arrived, they noticed that the surrounding chain link fence had been cut. A few minutes late, officers detected the suspect fleeing on foot which resulted in a short foot chase. The suspect was eventually arrested after being found hiding under a parked vehicle. The man, who was later determined to be breaching court ordered release conditions, was also found to be in possession of a quantity of break and enter tools.
The individual was taken into police custody and later released on an Undertaking on charges of Break and Enter, Mischief, Possess Break in tools, and Fail to Comply. His first court appearance is set for May 9th, 2023 in Nanaimo Provincial Court.
“With the help of updated CCTV cameras and a diligent quick thinking property owner, our officers were able to solve this break and enter and prevent the loss of potentially thousands of dollars in merchandise.” Said R/Cst. Gary O’Brien.
Man charged with after robbery try with crossbow
23.02.21
A man is in police custody for Robbery and several weapons offences for allegedly brandishing aloaded crossbow. The incident occurred near the intersection of Milton Street and Nicol Street shortly after 7 AM on Saturday February 18th, 2023.
Front line officers responded to a report of an individual who was reportedly threatened and robbed by a man who wasin possession of a pistol and a hunting crossbow. Officers located the suspect in nearby bushes and retrieved a loaded crossbow and several knives. Thefirearm howeverwasnot located.
The purchase of this cross bow was actually reported to police justdays prior by staff at a Nanaimo retail store who were concerned about the purchase",said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Dustin Pacheco of Nanaimo appeared in a brief bail hearing on the Saturday night and was ordered remanded into police custody. His next court appearance is set for February 22, 2023.
A time for love is also a time for scams
23/02/19
Every year, leading up to Valentines Day, fraudsters push out the notorious Romance Scam on unsuspecting victims. Sadly, it works and many lose significant amounts of money and have their hearts broken in the process.
To lure their victims, it is quite common for fraudsters to use pictures found on social media platforms to portray themselves, their family members or even their family pets. The latest twist to this scam is for fraudsters to send random text messages to victims which may read “where have you been, or “where are you”. When the victim responds, a conversation is struck up. The fraudster then begins to attempt at building a relationship with the victim.
“The purpose of the scam is to foster a sense that of trust in the victim so that in the near future the fraudster can ask their victim for money and they willingly oblige ” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
The reasons for the money request may include
A personal or family emergency
The fraudster has no access to money
Unexpected business or legal fees
Travel fees to return home
Warning Signs
Profile seems too perfect
Someone you haven’t met yet begins to profess their love for you
Attempts to meet in person are cancelled or there’s always an excuse
How to protect yourself
Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
If you think that you have been the victim of a fraud, call your local police agency or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at report a fraud
Police investigating incident at City pool change room
The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating an incident of an individual acting inappropriately at a Nanaimo recreation facility. The incident was reported to the Nanaimo RCMP on February 4, 2023, and occurred in a change room at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (NAC).
The investigation involves an adult who was allegedly staring intently at a young child while they changed in the women’s change room. The behaviour was witnessed by the children’s parents, who reported the interaction to the Nanaimo RCMP.
“The incident is being investigated and to date, the person seen in the washroom has not been identified”, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
Police were told that the individual was wearing a brown wig, tight jeans, a dark zip up hoodie, and an oversized medical mask that concealed much of their face.
“The details of this incident may constitute voyeurism as defined by the Criminal Code and as such, our investigators have initiated a criminal investigation”, said O’Brien.
Staff at the NAC have been contacted by police and are assisting with the investigation, which includes providing access to CCTV video footage from the foyer of the NAC.
If anyone has information on the identity of the individual involved or has information on any similar unreported incidents, please contact the Nanaimo RMCP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
February is fraud
awareness month
R/Cst. Gary O'Brien
Grandson scams, refund scams, CRA scams and gift card scams are just some of the hundreds of scams being carried out every day across Canada. As of December 31, 2022, more than 90,000 frauds with losses totalling $530 million had been reported to the Canadian Anti Fraud Center. While these losses are alarming, what is more disturbing is that statistically, only five per cent of all frauds are reported.
We all must remain vigilant when it comes to protecting our hard-earned money. Know the signs and know what to look for so you don’t fall prey, says R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP
The following are some of the more prevalent frauds currently being carried out in Nanaimo.
Grandson scam or Emergency scam
This has been around for years but is still one of the more effective scams because it tugs at the victim’s heart strings. In this scam, a fraudster makes a cold call claiming to be a grandson, family member or even a law enforcement officer calling on behalf of the loved one.
The caller says that they were involved in a car accident, have been arrested, became sick, or may have been injured, etc. They plead for money to pay their bail, legal fees or mounting hospital bills. They claim that they cannot say more due to a ban on court proceedings or that they aret too embarrassed.
The victim is then directed to attend to their financial institution and withdraw money. In some cases, fraudsters come to the victim's home to pick up the money. In most cases, the victim is directed to wire or send money via courier services. Some have even been directed to pay by cryptocurrency. Recently, a Nanaimo senior lost $8,000.
Gift card scam
A cold call is made and the victim is told that their credit card has been compromised or that they owe back taxes. The caller claims to work for a bank or the CRA and tells you that in order to pay or settle the bill, the victim must purchase a number of gift cards. The victim is told where to purchase the cards and when the cards are purchased, they are to call the fraudster back and provide the 10-digit code that is on the back of each card. Recently, several people in Nanaimo lave lost between $2,000 to $15,000.
Refund scam
The victim receives a text message or email claiming thattheyare entitled to a GST rebate, or a gas rebate. They are then directed to respond to a text with certain letters.
This is a scam that attempts to harvest your personal information or credit card data. In one recent case, a victim received a text indicating there was a pricing issue with a recent delivery. To receive the funds, they were told to respond with YES. This activated a link that was then sent to them.
The victim opened the link and shortly thereafter, the fraudster managed to access the victim's banking app and withdrew just under $2,000 from their bank account. The victim did not realize the money was gone until some days later when they attempted to send an e-transfer. The fraudster was also able to change the name on the victim's bank account.
There are many scams being carried out on any given day. If you provided personal information, have lost money, call your police department. Otherwise, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Former boyfriend charged in death of Amy Watts
Following an 18-month long investigation in the disappearance of 26-year-old Amy WATTS, a charge of Manslaughter has been approved against her former boyfriend, 38-year-old Kyle Gordon ORDWAY.
On January 16, 2023, Nanaimo Crown Counsel, in close consultation with the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit, approved the charge against ORDWAY. Amy WATTS was originally from Prince Edward Island and had moved to Vancouver Island several years prior. She was in a relationship with ORDWAY up until her disappearance in May of 2021.
ORDWAY is in custody on an unrelated matter. His next court appearance in Nanaimo Provincial Court on the Manslaughter charge has not been determined.
The investigation into WATTS’ disappearance and death required significant time and police resources. In the weeks and months following Amy WATTS’ disappearance, investigators, utilizing significant resources and expertise, exhaustively searched several locations, and followed up on dozens of tips in order to gather evidence related to this matter.
Given that this mater is now before the courts and that an individual has been formally charged and is before the courts, police will not be providing any additional information with regards to the investigation, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
12 hours in the life of a Mountie
2022-12-21
The Nanaimo RCMP is arguably one of the busiest detachments in BC. With a population of just over 100,000, the 150-plus officers assigned to work in Nanaimo, arrive each and every day committed to keeping the citizens of Nanaimo safe and out of harm's way.
"While this is fictional account of a 12-hour shift, it is not far from the truth fromwhat a front line responder can expect to deal with on any given shift, said R/Cst Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
4 p.m. The officer arrives at work and heads to the gym to hit the treadmill for 30 minutes.
5:30 p.m. Watch briefing. He greets his Watch mates with a heartfelt Merry Christmas while settling in for the daily briefing. At one point he reaches for his wallet and finds a hand-written note inside it from his 4-year-old daughter. The note says Daddy, I luv U, Bee Safe, C U in the morning. He smiles and tucks the note back in his wallet for safe keeping.
6 p.m. After a quick safety check of his vehicle he lets dispatch know he is 10-8 in service. Calls are already waiting.
7:45 p.m. The officer and one other officer respond to a domestic dispute between a man and woman inside a residence. They arrive to find the two embroiled in a heated argument over finances. There are no signs of a physical assault so one party is asked to leave for the night to cool off. The officers wait while the husband finds his keys and waits until the husband drives off. After offering Victim Services to the woman, he writes up his file in his vehicle, then lets dispatch know the two are both10-8. More calls await.
9:00 p.m. An emergency tone alert is activated. Ac onvenience store owner has called 911 to report they were robbed by a man brandishing a knife. The officer is first on scene. The suspect has fled on foot so the officer calls for Police Dog Services to attend. Other officers secure the scene, take statements and review video surveillance, while the officer runs with the Police Dog and its handler. For 45 minutes then make their way through ankle deep mud and thick bramble bushes. The track stops abruptly at a clearing and is eventually called off by the handler. The officer returns to the store and discusses possible suspects with other officers. After writing up his involvement, he lets dispatch know that he is 10-8 in service and tries unsuccessfully to get the mud off his boots.. He eventually gives up. He also notices he ripped his patrol jacket while running with the Police Dog and has re-aggravated a previous lower back injury.
11 p.m. The officer conducts a traffic stop for a vehicle that has no tail lights. The 17-year-old driver receives a verbal warning and is sent on their way.
11:15 PM The officer patrols through downtown and notices that the bars appear to be full. He makes a mental note to ensure he and his Watch mates do some bar patrols later on.
11:30 p.m. While on patrol, the officer comes upon an individual lying face down on a sidewalk. The person is unconscious, their breathing is extremely shallow and their pulse is almost non-existent; the officer believes they are in the throws of an overdose that could be fatal. EHS is called to attend and he administers Naloxone. The person responds immediately. EHS arrives and transports the adult male to hospital for an assessment. The file is written up. Dispatch, I’m 10-8.
12:30 a.m. The officer and others park downtown and head on foot to check out the nightclubs. They talk to staff and scan the crowd for underage patrons and known trouble makers. All seems good and most seem to be in the Holiday spirit. Dispatch, were all 10-8 from the bar checks.
1:45 a.m. The officer assists with a report of a 3 vehicle crash south of town. EHS and Fire are on scene. One occupant has been thrown clear while two adults are still inside with relatively minor injuries. The officer detects a strong odor of liquor from the vehicle and the injured persons. The officer is the second car on scene and is tasked with taking pictures and obtaining witness statements. The officers close the highway to allow a medical air ambulance to safely land and transport one of the injured persons to hospital. Dispatch, I’m clear of the MVA.
4:15 a.m. The officer meets with two other officers for a long overdue coffee break at an all night coffee shop. They discuss their evening and the armed robbery from earlier, flushing out more info on possible suspects. 15 minutes into their coffee, their down time is cut short when a tone alerts them to areport of three men fighting in a nearby parking lot, one is bleeding and another may have a firearm. All officers respond leaving behind their coffees and bowls of soup. The individuals are located, arrested and searched for weapons. When the scene is secure, EHS responds to the injured party. One of the individuals is found with a loaded Beretta pistol shoved into his waist band. This individual is well known to the officers and will be appearing in Nanaimo Provincial Court in the AM on various weapons charges and several outstanding warrants. Dispatch, were clear of the fight,10-8.
5:45 a.m. The officer and a few others gather in a parking lot for a few minutes to take in the sunrise and discuss their Christmas plans. They remark it is the first Christmas in 5 years that they are not scheduled to work.
6:00 a.m. The officer heads back to the detachment and signs off. Dispatch, I am 10-7, off shift.
6:30 a.m. The officer arrives home. The first thing he does is checks in on his 4-year daughter who appears to be sleeping peacefully. He ensures the house is secure. He then takes a few minutes to admire their Christmas tree and the beautiful hand-made ornaments that his 4 year old made at daycare. He feels blessed.
6:35 a.m. He hits the sack and falls asleep instantly.
To learn about a career with the RCMP, click here https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/how-to-apply
Released by
R/Cst. Gary O'Brien
Media Relations Officer
Nanaimo RCMP
nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
