Six arrested after stolen vehicle incident ends near Nanaimo Airport

An RCMP cruiser is pictured with the logo painted on the side. (Source: Facebook)

A stolen vehicle that began in the Comox Valley early Tuesday morning led to police response across Vancouver Island and ended with six people in custody near Nanaimo Airport.

Police say they were called early Tuesday to a rural area near Comox Lake after a report of a stolen vehicle. They say they found the vehicle shortly afterward. During that contact, the driver allegedly attempted to leave the area and several police vehicles were damaged before the vehicle left the scene.

Officers did not follow the vehicle directly and instead got in touch with other detachments across Vancouver Island.

The vehicle was later seen travelling south along Highway 19A. A police helicopter maintained visual contact from the air while officers watched its movement on the ground.

“When you have a situation where you can’t get eyes on the suspect or the suspect vehicle, and to follow it would put the police officers and the public at risk, this is a perfect example of when air services can be deployed,” said RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien to CTV News.

The helicopter continued tracking the vehicle as it moved toward Nanaimo, officers said.

The situation ended around 9 a.m. near Nanaimo Airport area, where officers stopped the vehicle and took five occupants into custody. A sixth person was arrested shortly afterward.

In total, three men and three women were arrested. Officers said two stolen vehicles were recovered during the investigation.

“This was a very high-risk unknown situation,” O’Brien said. “This was a co-ordinated effort from our communications centre, police officers in various jurisdictions plus our specialized units including police dog services and an emergency response team that moved very quickly.”

Three of those arrested were later released without conditions, while three remain in custody and are expected to appear in Nanaimo court Wednesday.

No injuries were reported to officers, the occupants of the vehicle, or members of the public. Police say the investigation is ongoing.