An Edmonton man with a long history of violence was picked up by Nanaimo RCMP Wednesday after he was reportedly causing a disturbance on Doric Avenue.
Zachary Holland, 25, is wanted by Edmonton police on attempted murder and arson causing injury charges stemming from an attack on his 18-year-old girlfriend in July. According to a report, Holland knocked his girlfriend of 18 months over the head with the back of a toilet before lighting a fire in the bedroom. The woman, while on fire, managed to exit the building where she was rescued.
Prior to that, Edmonton police say Holland is also facing charges from an earlier incident where he is alleged to have dragged a previous girlfriend behind his car on the Whitemud Freeway. He was released on bail and awaiting trial for that incident.
Edmonton police issued a Canada-wide warrant for Holland’s arrest on July 18.
Nanaimo RCMP spokeswoman Const. Sue Phillips said members were called to an unspecified disturbance in an apartment on Doric Avenue where they apprehended Holland.
“His identity was proved through fingerprints,” said Phillips. “He gave us a false report of his identity but we were able to prove his real identity. We then contacted Edmonton Police Services and he’s been remanded on a six-day remand to be transported back to Edmonton police.”
Nanaimo police held Holland overnight Wednesday before sending him back to Edmonton.