Oceanside RCMP is looking for a man who they say is on the run following a crime spree on Vancouver Island.
According to an Oceanside RCMP press release, the first incident took place on June 11. That’s when, police say, the man stole a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck with a head rack at around 6 p.m. in the 300-block of Crome Point Road in Deep Bay.
That same evening around 8 p.m., RCMP say they received a report of a break-in at a commercial paint store in Qualicum Beach. Police say the exterior fence had been cut but the suspect didn’t gain access to the business.
A truck matching the description of the Chevrolet was seen leaving the area, according to police.
On June 15, Ladysmith RCMP say they received a report of a hit and run at a hardware store just after 11 a.m. They say a pickup truck matching the description of the stolen Chevrolet Silverado had hit and damaged two vehicles. That same day, a theft from a vehicle on Mill Street in Chemainus was reported to North Cowichan RCMP. Police say a credit card, which was used to buy gas, was among the items stolen.
Then on June 16 at approximately 5 p.m., a Lake Cowichan RCMP officer spotted the Silverado at an auto centre on Youbou Road. Police say the pickup’s licence plate was partially obscured by spray paint, prompting the officer to run the plate, which eventually revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen.
After confirming the truck was stolen, the officer attempted to arrest the man by entering through the passenger side of the truck. However, the man fled on foot and wasn’t located despite efforts by a police dog.
Police say the suspect is described as a Caucasian male, who is about five feet eight inches tall with a thin build and short hair.
They say he was last seen wearing a green Element t-shirt, camo-coloured shorts, black socks, white running shoes and socks, a gray and black Hockey Canada baseball hat with a bandana over his face and aviator sunglasses.
Police asking anyone with information or who can assist with identifying the man to call Oceanside RCMP at 1-250-248-6111.
READ MORE: Unique adult tricycle stolen in Victoria from local business
CHEK News
