One person has been arrested in relation to two random and unprovoked attacks in Courtenay.
The Comox Valley RCMP says a 17-year old Comox Valley youth is in custody following two different assaults with a hammer over the last week and a half.
The first took place on March 15th when a man told police he was walking along the Courtenay Rotary Trail when he nodded at the suspect who then pulled out a small hammer and swung it in the victim’s direction, hitting him in the arm.
The other attack happened a couple days later on March 20th when a man was walking in the alley behind the Canada Post office and was struck multiple times with a small hammer.
Corporal Matt Holst with the Major Crime Unit said help from the public was key in finding the suspect.
“The assistance we received from the public was instrumental,” explained Holst.
“These attacks were concerning to everyone. Residents and businesses went out of their way to assist the investigation by providing surveillance footage. As a result, the suspect was identified and arrested,” he added.
The 17-year old Comox Valley youth was arrested on March 23rd and is currently in custody waiting for a court appearance.
