Mounties say a man is facing multiple charges, including uttering threats and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, following incidents overnight in the Alexis Creek area on the weekend.
On Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at 10 p.m., Alexis Creek RCMP received a report of stolen vehicle, said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, District Advisory NCO (Media Relations), for the North District.
Saunderson said a Black Jeep Cherokee was reported stolen and the owner was able to provide police with the name of the person who was believed to have allegedly taken the vehicle. Police immediately began looking for the vehicle but were unable to locate the Jeep in the area, noted Saunderson.
Just a few hours later on Saturday, Feb. 10, police received a report of a man going to a residence and making death threats toward a resident of the home, said Saunderson.
Police received further reports from other people in the neighbourhood about the same suspect making similar threats. The identity of the suspect was provided to police.
“As police responded to this, they were advised of a structure fire on the west side of [Tl’etinqox]. Police then observed a church on fire on the east side of [Tl’etinqox],” noted Saunderson.
While police were investigating, Tl’etinqox security reported seeing a suspect trying to allegedly steal equipment in the Tl’etinqox subdivision, Saunderson said.
Police located a Jeep Cherokee that was reported stolen the day before parked in front of a residence.
“The vehicle attempted to leave and struck a police vehicle. The jeep then side swiped the police vehicle in an attempt to leave the scene. After striking police vehicle, the jeep went down an embankment and rolled onto its roof,” said Saunderson.
“The driver attempted to flee on foot but was stopped by police. The suspect continued to struggle to escape and Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was used and the suspect was arrested without further incident. The suspect appeared to be uninjured however was taken to hospital as precaution.”
BC Prosecution Service has approved charges in relation to this investigation.
Cassidy Baron Billy, 43, has been charged with theft of vehicle, two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, fail to stop for police, obstruction and two counts of failing to comply with a release order and remains in custody.
The investigation is ongoing.
READ MORE: String of incidents lead Alexis Creek RCMP to arrest fleeing man