UPDATE: West Shore RCMP say an alleged “armed and dangerous” man believed to have stolen a van and a gun amid several South Island residential break-ins has been caught.
“The suspect has been located, arrested and is currently in police custody,” police said Sunday. “West Shore RCMP would like to thank the public and the media for your assistance.”
Original story follows:
West Shore RCMP are seeking help from the public to find a man they believe stole a vehicle and may be “armed and dangerous” following the theft of a firearm.
On Tuesday between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., a man suspected to be driving a stolen 2010 black Dodge Caravan was spotted by witnesses in the area of Admirals and Craigflower roads in View Royal, Mounties say.
The Caravan with B.C. license plate EJ505R was reported stolen from a home in town later that day, RCMP said in a news release.
The following day, the vehicle was involved in “several investigations” around Sooke for uttering threats and residential break-ins, including the theft of a firearm, according to RCMP.
By Wednesday evening, police found the vehicle and up until 9:30 p.m. made “several attempts to stop it” between Sooke and Ladysmith; however, officers were without luck as the driver failed to pull over.
“Investigators believe the man or anyone that is seen associated to the vehicle may be armed and dangerous,” said RCMP spokesperson Const. Meghan Groulx, “and for that reason we are warning the public to not approach and to call the police immediately if either are seen.”
Police describe the suspect as a Caucasian man in his 30s standing at 5′ 7″ with a slim build, long dark blond hair and a beard. They’re hoping to identify him and the whereabouts of the stolen Caravan.
Anyone with information regarding the man or the vehicle is urged to call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.
(West Shore RCMP)
Ethan Morneau
