A man is on the run following a string of events across Vancouver Island last week.
A tan Chevy Silverado, with a headrack, was stolen from the 300 block of Crome Point in Deep Bay on June 11 around 6 p.m., according to Oceanside RCMP.
Just before 8 p.m. the same evening, RCMP received a report of a commercial break and enter at a paint store in Qualicum Beach. Officers discovered an exterior fence had been cut, but entry had not been gained to the business.
The truck seen leaving the scene matched the description of the one stolen on June 11, according to RCMP.
Ladysmith RCMP received a hit and run report on June 15, just after 11 a.m. Witnesses said a person driving a flatbed truck, which matched the description of the stolen one, damaged two vehicles, according to RCMP.
There was a report of theft from a vehicle in Chemanius on June 15, where a credit card was stolen and used at a gas station.
The stolen truck was spotted at an auto centre in the 10000-block of Youbou Road in Youbou by a Lake Cowichan officer.
The licence plate was partially obstructed by spray paint, which raised the officer’s suspicion, according to RCMP. Checks revealed the truck was stolen and the officer entered the passenger side of the truck to place the driver under arrest. The man fled on foot.
The man was not found after a search with a police service dog in the forested area across from the auto centre, RCMP said.
The man is described as White, thin, 5ft 8, with short hair. He was last seen wearing a green Element t-shirt and camouflage shorts with white running shoes. He had a grey and black Hockey Canada baseball hat with a black maple leaf on it, aviator sunglasses and a bandana over his face.
“We are asking anyone who has information about any of these events, or can assist in identifying this man to contact the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111,” said S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the BC RCMP.
