Suspicious phone calls concerning an individual offering residential duct cleaning have recently been making the rounds in Campbell River.
Complainants report that the individual can be aggressive and often the final price is elevated from what was initially offered.
The caller seems to target strata units or senior citizen facilities. He is described as a balding, caucasian male, 5’7” with a heavy build.
The male may identify the business as “Westcoast Restorations” however there are no valid businesses by that name in the area.
The suspect is believed to be driving a white Chevrolet panel van without markings or signage on it.
Police are reminding people to be wary of any vendors offering unsolicited home improvements. People should ask for additional information about the company and what is being offered before letting anyone in their home.
Attempted theft with weapon
A group of people walking down 9th Avenue on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2:20 a.m. were lucky to escape an attempted theft and assault.
The group was walking in the 700 block when a male approached and asked for cigarettes. The group declined and the male became aggressive, producing a knife and swinging it at another male in the group.
Campbell River RCMP responded to the incident and upon arrival at the scene, the suspect fled.
A brief foot chase between police and the male ensued.
The suspect got away but a police dog was able to track the male to a nearby area where he was found hiding from police.
After a short struggle, the suspect, identified as Tommy Vernon Paul, 28, of Campbell River, was arrested.
Paul was held in police custody and has since plead guilty to assault with a weapon and uttering threats.
Paul remains in custody while a sentencing date is fixed.