A 25-year-old man has been charged after what RCMP are calling "a brazen attack” on two people as they sat in their vehicle."
Some of the charges the Crown has approved against Terrance (TJ) Bastarache include: assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm, possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of an unregistered, restricted weapon.
Mounties say a BMW approached a couple as they sat in their vehicle at a local Subway store parking lot on Aug. 20. At approximately 5:30 p.m. the husband, 59, and his wife, 52, were sprayed in the face with pepper spray by the lone occupant of the BMW.
The couple sought refuge in the Subway store where 911 was called, with the request to send an ambulance. The two were treated for their injuries.
According to North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Krista Hobday, Bastarache has been arrested and will face charges related to this incident and the subsequent search of his residence by police.
The couple and Bastarache are known to each other, she said.
"This is not a random attack and there is no fear for public safety. The RCMP made short work of identifying and arresting the suspect in this incident," Hobday concluded.
Police are requesting that anyone who has information on this or any other crime contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illicit drugs, you could be eligible for a cash award.