Police have laid charges against one of the suspects in the art heist and subsequent four-car crash involving an Oceanside RCMP cruiser on Wednesday.

After the theft of an expensive piece of art in Qualicum Beach, an RCMP officer patrolling the Alberni Highway near Coombs saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspects' car. In an attempt to stop the vehicle, there was a crash that also tied up two unrelated vehicles.

Police said Friday that 40yearold Nelson Robert Meggit, of Qualicum Beach, had been charged with theft under $5,000, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault with a vehicle, assault causing bodily harm and assaulting a police officer.

The latter two charges relate to allegations that Meggit assaulted a guard and a police officer during the interview process at the Oceanside RCMP detachment.

Meggit appeared in Nanaimo provincial court Thursday. He was remanded in custody to undergo a 29-day psychiatric assessment, police said. He will be back in court no later than March 1.

A 47-year-old Qualicum Beach woman was arrested at the scene, but was later released. Police are recommending she be charged with theft under $5,000, and she is set to appear in court on Feb. 21.