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Oceanside RCMP arrest suspect in Ukranian church B&E

25-year-old Qualicum Beach man faces Aug. 22 court appearance
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Exactly a month after the St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church was ransacked, the Oceanside RCMP has made an arrest in relation to the overnight break and enter.

In a news release on Aug. 10, Oceanside RCMP announced officers had arrested a 25-year-old Qualicum Beach man in connection with the break in. Cpl. Jesse Foreman said in the release that forensic evidence was located at the crime scene that identified the man.

Sometime between the evening of July 9 and the morning of July 10, the Ukrainian church in Columbia Beach was broken into and ransacked. Oceanside RCMP and church members said furniture and religious items were strewn about.

Vic Blasco, a member of the church, told The NEWS not one corner of the church was left “untouched” in the break in.

At the time, police said the suspect gained access through a side window and the crime occurred in the late hours of July 9 or possibly the early morning hours of July 10.

The suspect has since been arrested and attended court in Nanaimo on Aug 10. He is set to reappear at court on Aug. 22.

He was charged with possession of both a controlled substance and break and entry tools. He was released by a judge on several conditions and will be monitored by Oceanside RCMP leading up to his next court date.

NEWS Staff/Oceanside RCMP

Oceanside RCMP arrest suspect in Ukranian church B&E



Lauren Collins

About the Author: Lauren Collins

I'm a provincial reporter for Black Press Media's national team, after my journalism career took me across B.C. since I was 19 years old.
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