Man injured during arrest after allegedly wielding knife near Beban Park in Nanaimo

Man injured during arrest after allegedly wielding knife near Beban Park in Nanaimo
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Beban Park in Nanaimo as seen on Google Maps.

A 32-year-old Nanaimo man who allegedly threatened an officer with a knife Thursday is facing weapons charges.

On Aug. 24, while two members of the Nanaimo RCMP Police Dog Service were training near Labieux Road and Leam Road, they saw a man who had outstanding arrest warrants.

Police said when the officer approached the man, the man produced a knife and threatened the officer. The man ran toward Beban Park while the officer continued to follow him.

At the Kinsmen Participark sign in Beban Park, the man allegedly turned and faced the officer with his knife out. He allegedly continued to threaten the officer and cause himself harm.

According to the Nanaimo RCMP, the second officer was able to knock the man to the ground while his attention was on the other officer. Police said the man would not drop the knife and concealed it under his body.

Police said he refused to follow the directions of officers so they used further force to get the knife. After the officers obtained the knife, the man allegedly continued to resist while they were trying to arrest him.

During the arrest, the man was injured and was later treated in hospital.

“Police officers are authorized to utilize as much force as necessary to ensure the safety of the public and themselves,” Cpl. Jon Stuart of the Nanaimo RCMP said in a statement.

“In this case, lives were threatened with a weapon, and this danger does not pass until the weapon is removed and secured by police. The male was heading toward the Altrusa Playground at Beban Park with many children and families present. It was feared that there could be greater harm if he was allowed to enter the park area.”

Kym Arkell has been charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats and possession of a weapon. He has been remanded into custody and will appear in court on Aug. 28.

Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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