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Nanaimo RCMP arrest prolific offender after security guard blocks his escape

Nanaimo RCMP arrested a prolific property offender Wednesday with the help of a quick-thinking security guard. About 7:45 a.m.
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RCMP

Nanaimo RCMP arrested a prolific property offender Wednesday with the help of a quick-thinking security guard.

About 7:45 a.m., an officer noticed a man walking on Front Street, pushing a mountain bike, and recognized him as someone he’d deal with before.

The officer chatted to the man and checked his criminal background, which brought up a warrant for his arrest for possession of stolen property over $5,000.

When the officer told the man there was a warrant for his arrest, the man ditched the bike and ran toward Port Place Mall.

The officer chased him through the mall until a security guard stepped in to block his escape, police said. The guard’s intervention provided just enough time for the officer to place the man under arrest.

A search of the man turned up several pieces of ID that were later determined to have been stolen from a truck parked nearby.

Jason Klughart, 28, was charged with possession of stolen property and obstruction, and he was remanded into police custody until Oct. 30.

Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP commended the officer for recognizing Klughart and said that without the help of the security guard, he may not have been arrested.

regan-elliott@timescolonist.com