On December 28th at approximately 11:00 pm, Oceanside RCMP observed a vehicle on Claymore Rd West that was determined to have been stolen out of the Comox Valley. The vehicle refused to stop and tracks in the snow were followed until the vehicle was located further up the road in the ditch. Two people were in the vehicle. The passenger complied with police commands, while the driver fled into the bush on foot. Several weapons were located in the vehicle.
Police Dog Services attended and completed a dangerous track lasting three and a half hours through snow, slush, water, fallen trees and rivers and eventually located the suspect hiding on a river bank. The male once again refused to comply with police instructions and attempted to run. The Police Service Dog was deployed and apprehended the suspect who then pulled the dog into the river attempting to drown it. The Conducted Energy Weapon was deployed successfully causing the male to release the dog and he was taken into custody.
Justin John Chester, 29 yrs, is facing several charges including Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession of Break In Tools, Fail to Stop for Police and Fail to Comply with Probation Order. He also had several outstanding warrants out of Port Alberni.
The second male, Christopher Wade Raithby, 32 yrs, is facing charges of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Possession of Break In Tools.