Wanted man found in Port Alberni motel room, prompts large police response

Wanted man found in Port Alberni motel room, prompts large police response
David Wiwchar
RCMP conducted a police operation in Port Alberni on Redford Street on April 17, 2023.

UPDATE: Port Alberni RCMP have released details of what prompted a large police presence in Port Alberni Monday morning.

In a media release on the detachments website just before 9:20 p.m., RCMP says officers attended a motel in the 4100-block of Redford Street.

While on scene, a member of Port Alberni’s Major Crime unit saw wanted man, David Daniel Bird, inside one of the motel’s rooms.

Bird was wanted for a series of violent offences including robbery, forcible confinement, break and enter, and assault with a weapon.

Police say front line officers were supported by members of Port Alberni’s Major Crime Unit to contain the area, until the Vancouver Island Critical Incident Command Team arrived on scene, which includes a negotiators.

Barricaded people are inherently dangerous situations that are often fluid and dynamic. We appreciate the understanding of citizens who allowed officers work through this to come to a safe end, stated Constable Richard Johns. Officers were able to ensure this situation resolved quickly and safely through cooperation with BC EHS, Port Alberni Fire Department and staff from the City of Port Alberni.

David Bird was held for a bail hearing, and remanded in custody for court appearances later this month.

In a tweet at 10:51 a.m., Vancouver Island RCMP asked anyone in the area of Redford Street to avoid the area and to not share photos of officers.

A little over 10 minutes later at 11:03 a.m. Vancouver Island RCMP said the operation was over.

Witnesses contacted CHEK News to report a large police presence in Port Alberni earlier in the morning, around 10 a.m. Residents in the community of Ladysmith, about 100 kilometres away, also reported a large number of unmarked cars heading north in the area. RCMP confirmed Ladysmith RCMP was called out to the Port Alberni incident.

Jeff LawrenceJeff Lawrence

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