An RCMP officer suffered scrapes and bruises and a suspect was bitten during an arrest in downtown Nanaimo on Wednesday afternoon.
According to police, the incident happened at about 3:15 p.m. when Nanaimo RCMP Street Crimes Unit members spotted Spencer Schaeffer, 31, who was wanted for several unendorsed warrants, in the back seat of a taxi parked on Old Victoria Road near Cavan Street.
After informing Schaeffer that he was under arrest, RCMP officers tried to remove him from the vehicle. As they grappled with Schaeffer, the taxi driver accelerated, causing one officer to fall onto the pavement. The officer suffered some road rash and bruising, but did not require medical attention and remained on duty according to Nanaimo RCMP.
Schaeffer fled the scene, but was located a short distance away with help from Police Services Dog Boomer. Schaeffer was later treated at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for several minor puncture wounds, allegedly inflicted by Boomer.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, Schaeffer was wanted for four unendorsed warrants at the time of his arrest, but now faces additional charges that include two breaches of warrant conditions, flight from police and a possession of ammunition charge. The latter was recommended by officers after they allegedly found two .22 calibre cartridges in Schaeffer's clothing.
A 29-year-old woman, who was with Schaeffer in the taxi, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant and later released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.The taxi driver was also initially arrested for dangerous driving, but no charges have been laid against him.
Schaeffer will remain in custody until his next appearance in Nanaimo provincial court Feb. 14.