The Ladysmith Detachment responded to a total of 73 calls for service from Feb. 24 to March 3.
Friday, Feb. 24
} Police were called to a domestic disturbance in progress on Penelakut Island. Prior to police arriving on scene, they were advised that the other party involved was now requesting an ambulance, as they had been hit in the head. BC Ambulance Service personnel attended with police and located a male with lacerations to his head. The male was taken to hospital for treatment, and police continue to investigate.
} Police received a report of mischief on Arbutus Crescent in which some trees were cut down and the debris was left on the property. The estimated value of the damage is $500. Police are investigating.
} Police attended to a disturbance at the Holiday House Motel and located a male and female in the room. Inquiries revealed that the pair were suspects in a theft that had occurred earlier in Nanaimo, and they were arrested. Subsequent to the arrest, the male was found to be in possession of cocaine. In addition, a large quantity of cash, believed to be from the theft, was seized. The pair were transported and turned over to the Nanaimo RCMP for further investigation.
Saturday, Feb. 25
} A vehicle driven by a 21-year-old female was pulled over on First Avenue in Ladysmith due to a burnt-out taillight. The officer detected liquor on the driver’s breath and obtained a breath sample into a roadside screening device. The result was a reading in the “warn” range, which led to a three-day driving prohibition and the seizure of her driver’s licence.
} While on patrol, police observed a vehicle parked on Chuckwagon Trail that had a tampered valtag attached to the licence plate. The plate was queried and shown to be expired. The plates were seized from the vehicle and returned to ICBC. Charges against the registered owner under the Motor Vehicle Act are being contemplated.
} Police stopped a vehicle driven by a 47-year-old male on Gatacre Street for having no front licence plate. Once stopped, the driver became very irate, got out of his vehicle and began swearing at pedestrians in the area. The male was arrested for causing a disturbance. He was subsequently served a three-month driving prohibition as per ICBC and released without charge once he had calmed.
} Ladysmith RCMP responded to a report of a spousal assault that had occurred on Spruston Road. Investigation revealed that a male had received minor injuries after being assaulted by his common-law wife. Charges of assault are pending.
} Police were called the scene of a male who had fallen down the side of the highway and hit his head while riding his electric scooter. Alcohol was involved. BC Ambulance attended, and the male was transported to the Ladysmith hospital with minor injuries. He was wearing a bicycle helmet at the time. The male was subsequently issued a 24-hour driving prohibition and an appearance notice to attend court for prohibited driving under the Criminal Code.
} A vehicle driven by a 21-year-old male was stopped on the Trans Canada Highway after being caught on radar doing 144km/h in a 90 km/h speed zone. A violation ticket for “Excessive Speed” was issued under the Motor Vehicle Act, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
Sunday, Feb. 26
} A black 1994 GMC pickup was stolen from the Page Point Marina parking lot overnight. The vehicle is described as having a lift, black wheels, 35-inch tires, chrome tubular running boards and round fog lights in the grill.
} Police received a report of mischief to a vehicle that occurred on Cedar Road between 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Damage to the vehicle included a broken area on the passenger-side corner of the front windshield, possibly caused by a crow bar or tire iron. Damage is estimated to be about $1,100. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ladysmith RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
Monday, Feb. 27
} Police attended to Ladysmith Secondary School to assist after a young male refused to leave the school grounds after receiving a three-day suspension. The youth's parent was eventually contacted and agreed to attend to the school and pick up their son.
Tuesday, Feb. 28
} A report of a fight on Shell Beach Road was received. Police attended and learned that a fight between a female and male started over a dispute over alcohol. There were no charges, and there were no injuries.
} Police responded to a break and enter that occurred overnight at Frank Laird Automotive. The front window of the business had been broken, and a Rigid table saw was stolen. The Nanaimo Forensic Identification Section attended to the scene, and as a result, a suspect was identified. The matter is still under investigation with charges pending.
} Ladysmith RCMP received a report of theft from Arbutus RV and Marine Sales that occurred overnight. External power cords were stolen from four different RV units. The total theft is valued at more than $1,700.
Wednesday, Feb. 29
} Police received a report of a hit and run in which a large. older light blue full-sized car had backed into the back end of a van in the St. Mary’s Church parking lot. No licence plate was obtained, and the vehicle left the scene. Damage was minor.
Friday, March 2
} A report of fraud was received in which the complainant reports receiving a phone call from a person claiming to be from Microsoft. The person stated that they would diagnose a virus if they allowed them access to their computer for the cost of $90. The complainant complied and provided a credit card number, and a charge was put though. They then realized that it was a scam, hung up the phone and called the credit card company, who cancelled the charge and refunded the money. Police remind the public to be very wary of providing any personal information (especially credit card information) over the phone to those whose identity cannot be confirmed.
} Police attended to the 300 block of Chemainus Road for a report of a theft from a vehicle. A truck had been broken into sometime between Feb. 10 and 29. A small window was damaged and entry gained to access the door lock, and then the door was pried open, causing damage to the locking mechanism. Damage is estimated at $500. The gas cap was left open, with gas possibly being the target of the thieves. Police continue to investigate.
} During the past eight days, seven false alarm or false or abandoned 9-1-1 calls were received and responded to, along with five driving complaints involving possible impaired/erratic drivers.