Wanted man arrested on Vancouver Island faces multiple weapons charges

Oceanside RCMP have arrested a 50-year-old man after officers found him with weapons and ammunition while he was living in a makeshift camp near Whiskey Creek.

Police said the arrest came after a North Qualicum retail store reported a theft of several items on September 18th.

Investigators identified a suspect believed to be living off Lockwood Forest Service Road.

In the early morning hours of September 26th, officers arrested Mark Caillou at the camp. A search of the site turned up a loaded firearm, ammunition, magazines, bows, and body armour.

At the time of his arrest, Caillou was wanted on active warrants in both BC and Alberta for drug, weapons, driving, property, and failing to comply offences.

He made a court appearance the same day and was charged with theft, disguise with intent, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, possession of a firearm or weapon contrary to order, unsafe storage of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon.

He was remanded in custody, with his next court date set for October 6.

Sgt. Shane Worth of the Oceanside RCMP credited video surveillance at the business for helping investigators identify the suspect.

“The business had modern and operational video surveillance which allowed investigators to swiftly identify a suspect and work on locating and arresting him,” he said.

“Video surveillance was instrumental in solving the theft case, locating various weapons and arresting someone who was wanted by other police agencies.”