Neighbours wielding garden tools cornered a break-and-enter suspect until Nanaimo RCMP arrived on scene.

According to a police press release, a search for a suspect ended at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, after residents in Cedar used garden tools to pen an alleged perpetrator in a carport in the 1700 block of Woobank Road.

A string of incidents started at about 3 p.m. when numerous officers responded to 911 calls after a homeowner on Yellow Point Road reported coming face-to-face with an intruder in his home.

鈥淎 struggle ensued during which time the suspect sustained a head injury and lost a significant amount of blood,鈥� the release noted. 鈥淭he suspect, although injured, managed to flee.鈥�

RCMP officers, with the help of a police dog, searched the area with no success.

Just before 6 p.m., more 911 calls came in from neighbours on Woobank Road 鈥� about two kilometres away from the initial incident 鈥� who reported that a man who had dried blood on him had tried to break into a residence there.

鈥淭his time, several neighbours came together and brandishing a variety of garden tools, prevented the individual from fleeing,鈥� noted the release.

Police arrested the 34-year-old suspect for the break-in and break-in attempt. He was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to be treated for his injuries, then brought to the Nanaimo RCMP detachment where he was held overnight.

The individual, of no fixed address, was also the subject of four outstanding warrants from North Cowichan. No charges have been laid in connection with the two attempted break-and-enters and those incidents remain under investigation, say police.

鈥淲e are pleased that the suspect was eventually located and that none of the home owners were injured while trying to subdue him,鈥� said reserve Const. Gary O鈥橞rien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, in the release.

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chris.bush@nanaimobulletin.com
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