Oceanside RCMP found a handgun, drugs and stolen property in a vehicle and made two arrests following a call about two suspicious people in the parkade on Memorial Avenue in Qualicum Beach.
Police were called by a witness around 1:00 p.m. on Feb. 5 — upon arrival officers found two suspects familiar to them, according to Cpl. Jesse Foreman.
Both Parksville residents, Stephen Michael McKnight, 30, and Dakota Darian Rayner, 22, had outstanding warrants for their arrests, police said. Both were taken into custody without incident.
Police seized and obtained a warrant to search the vehicle the suspects arrived in.
In addition to charges resulting from the incident, the pair was found to be breaching conditions previously imposed upon them by the courts, RCMP said. One of which was a no contact order between them. The pair was held for court on Feb. 9, where they made their first appearance.
The courts released Rayner on further conditions and McKnight will remain in custody until March 2, when they will both appear in court again, according to Foreman.
“The keen observations of our complainant ensured officers were able to coordinate a response that allowed for an effective and safe apprehension of this prolific offender, without further endangering the public,” said Sgt. Stephen Rose. “The presence of illicit substances and a restricted firearm raise the risk for all involved.”
