A Surrey man is facing charges after having a meltdown at a Nanaimo ferry terminal.
The 65-year-old man had been waiting to catch a ferry at Departure Bay ferry terminal in Nanaimo at about 4:45 p.m. on Sunday.
When he learned there would be a three-sailing wait, the man grew irate, refusing to move his 1998 blue Volvo.
Police were called and an officer explained to the man that he’d have to come back in a few hours, as there was no more room for vehicles.
The man then drove his vehicle onto a sidewalk, and was asked by police to produce his license and registration.
He refused and drove off, but was seen a short time later at Stewart Avenue in Nanaimo.
As the man was being arrested for obstruction, he flipped the car into gear and attempted to take off.
The arresting officer jumped into the car and put it in park.
“He was really irate, there were just massive waits,” said RCMP Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong. “It still doesn’t give him the right to do that.”
The man suffered a cut to his head, was treated by ambulance crews.
Armstrong noted that people in a hurry are able to make reservations to ensure they’ve got a spot on a specific sailing.
Charges of obstruction have been recommended, but not yet approved by Crown counsel.
The Nanaimo RCMP are asking any witnesses or anyone with video of the incident to please contact Cst. Tim Bedard at 1-250-754-2345.
