Comox Valley RCMP say a 34-year-old man is facing multiple charges following a string of violent and dangerous incidents that unfolded across the region.
The chaos began around 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19th, when police responded to a report that a man had been threatened with a firearm on the 100-block of Centennial Drive in Courtenay.
Police say the suspect, linked to a red pickup truck, sped away when officers attempted a traffic stop.
A short time later, officers located the same truck on Kimorley Road in Comox. Police successfully stopped the vehicle and arrested the male driver along with a female passenger.
Investigators believe the truck was also involved in an earlier hit-and-run in Merville at approximately 5 p.m. The victim told police the truck was driving erratically. When he approached the vehicle, he was struck in the hand and knocked to the ground.
Further investigation has connected the same suspect to two other hit-and-run collisions reported on July 31st on Centennial Drive in Courtenay.
“It is evident this truck was being driven dangerously throughout the community for some time,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer for Comox Valley RCMP.
“We are very fortunate that nobody was more seriously injured or killed. We are asking members of the public to review any dashcam footage from these areas and to contact us with any information that may assist investigators.”
Police have identified the suspect as 34-year-old James Snowdon, who remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance. He faces several charges, including:
- Pointing a firearm
- Assault with a weapon
- Possession of a firearm contrary to order
- Uttering threats
- Impaired operation of a motor vehicle
- Dangerous operation of a conveyance
- Flight from police
- Driving while disqualified
- Refusing to provide a breath sample
The female passenger was released without charges.
Anyone with information, including dashcam or surveillance footage, is asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 and refer to file number 2025-12409.
