Nanaimo RCMP said they have arrested a 17-year-old they believe is connected to an alleged shooting in Nanaimo’s north end.
Police said the incident took place Feb. 11 and, with help from the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, an arrest was made two days later without incident.
Const. Gary O’Brien said the victim of the alleged shooting was released from hospital.
“The 15-year-old victim sustained injuries from the alleged shooting incident and received medical treatment at hospital,” O’Brien said in a statement.
“Nanaimo RCMP General Investigation Section completed a report to Crown counsel and on Feb. 13, the B.C. Prosecution Service approved five charges against the youth,” he said. “A bail hearing was held and the youth was remanded into police custody.”
He said the youth faces charges of aggravated assault, discharge of a firearm with intent, assault with a weapon, possession of a firearm without a licence and possession of a firearm while prohibited.
RCMP operations officer Insp. Donovan Tait said a quick response played a critical role in the investigation and helped prevent the situation from escalating.
“This was a significant and concerning incident involving youth in our community,” Tait said. “The quick response by our officers, with collaboration by Victoria police and GVERT, played a crucial role in safely taking the alleged suspect into custody.”
Tait said the investigation is continuing as police work to locate the firearm and determine all circumstances surrounding the incident.
