Photo courtesy Nanaimo RCMP.
Nanaimo RCMP is crediting officers and police dog for working through difficult conditions to track down an assault and break and enter suspect Saturday.
Police were called to a private cabin at the Deadwood Creek Campsite near Nanaimo Lakes Road around 5:30 p.m, when the cabin owners discovered an unknown man and woman inside.
While being escorted to the camp’s main gate to wait for officers to arrive, RCMP says 39-year-old David Banford allegedly produced a can of pepper spray and used it on the two males.
Nanaimo RCMP said Constables Josh Grafton and Tanner Fowler, along with police dog “Jager” arrived, and searched for the suspect for about two hours through deep snow, down mountainous terrain and waded through freezing cold water.
Cst. Grafton described the track as one of his “toughest to date.”
Banford, though, was located and received several bites during his arrest, which he received treatment for at a local hospital.
The 39-year-old Banford appeared in Nanaimo Provincial court Tuesday, charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and break and enter.
He was released from custody and is due back in court March 5.
The 29-year-old female suspect did not flee and was taken into custody when police arrived.
She was later released on a promise to appear in court, scheduled for May 7 on one count of break and enter.
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