David James Chiasson, the driver in the single motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Nicolas “Nic” Twiddy, was arrested on May 7 for an attempted robbery.
A 34-year-old Sooke man was approached by a young man he identified as Chiasson outside of the Chevron gas station on May 6 around 6 p.m.
According to Staff Sgt. Steve Wright, Chiasson allegedly accosted the man and demanded he give him money.
After the victim refused, Chiasson reportedly sprayed him with bear mace and left the scene. The man then called for assistance and received treatment from paramedics.
Due to massive media coverage surrounding the motor vehicle accident that occurred on April 9 on West Coast Road, the victim was able to identify Chiasson to police.
The accident involving a vehicle stolen in Sooke, resulted in the death of Twiddy and serious head injuries for 15-year-old passenger Maria Forbes.
Chiasson was driving the vehicle, when it veered out of control along the gravel shoulder, slid into a power pole side ways and flipped over into a ditch. The pole snapped in half from impact.
Chiasson and another passenger, Steve Livingstone, 18, received minor injuries.
Wright said police were able to arrest Chiasson at his residence for the attempted robbery the following morning on May 7 without incident.
According to sources, Chiasson was also the cyclist who was injured in a collision with pick up truck on the corner of Sooke Road and Anna Maria Road on April 23, where he suffered from a severely lacerated hand.
Although Wright could not confirm Chiasson was the cyclist, he said when arrested, Chiasson’s arm was bearing a cast.
Chiasson will remain in custody until his court appearance on May 24, where he will face charges of robbery, assault with a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a weapon contrary to a court order.
No charges related to the motor vehicle accident have been laid. Wright said the investigation is still ongoing.
