Two residents of a former tent city in Nanaimo will stand trial this spring after they allegedly struck vehicles with machetes and a bat last summer.
The case was on the docket at Nanaimo courthouse today. William Robert Francis Carrigan and Shane Edward Steinhauer were arrested last September for an incident that occurred Aug. 3 at the Port Place mall parkade, across the street from the former Discontent City site. According to Nanaimo RCMP at the time, two cars full of people, between the ages of 18 and 30, were at the mall area and allegedly shining laser lights into the homeless camp.
Carrigan and Steinhauer are alleged to have met the two vehicles in the parkade and after the vehicles attempted to leave, the two are accused of making verbal threats and vandalizing the vehicles, RCMP said. Carrigan was also alleged to have had a “small axe tucked into his pants,” according to police.
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Steinhauer will stand trial for counts of assault with a weapon and possessing weapon for dangerous purpose, while Carrigan will be on trial for counts of assault with a weapon and possessing weapon for dangerous purpose in addition to a breach of undertaking or recognizance.
The trial is set for June 5 with a provincial court judge.
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