A Home Invasion on Gabriola Island: We Interview Local RCMP Commander About the Incident and What Came After

Earlier this month, Gabriola Island was the scene of a home invasion that shocked the community and left it with a lot of questions.

At approximately 12:30 am on October 7th, local RCMP responded to a call that an individual had broken into the home of Eric and Sue Boulton, a local couple who have lived and farmed here since the 1940s. According to the RCMP, the intruder was armed with a weapon and was quote “confronted by the home owner.” The Boulton’s daughter later reported that the weapon was an axe and that it was her mother who confronted the male intruder in the front room of the house. According to the daughter, he then proceeded through the house, disabling the phone, smashing windows, and eventually setting a fire on the second floor.

Sue Boulton was able to call 911 using a mobile phone, and police were able to get the couple out of the home safely. They have since charged 45-year old Nathan Macleod with multiple offences, including break and enter, arson, and two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

However, it was a statement from the RCMP released soon after the incident that raised eyebrows. In it, the local Detachment Commander, Corporal Jordan Mullen, said that, quote, “this is not a targeted offence with no current risk to public safety.” Residents were not re-assured when they heard that the intruder had been taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, and then released.

The issue goes to the safety of the community, whether that is changing, and the need to balance the rights of those arrested with public concerns about crime. So Life on Gabriola TV visited Cpl. Mullen at the local RCMP detachment to ask some questions, both about the incident and the legal process that followed, to try to shed some light on the matter.

Highlights:

• ⚖️ Suspect faces multiple charges, including break and enter and arson.
• 💬 Interview with Corporal Jordan Mullen clarifies the incident and legal proceedings.
• 🔄 McLeod was released from detention after appearing before a judge on an unrelated matter. Arrested soon after.
• 🕵️ Thorough investigation and necessity of having all information before laying charges.
• 📊 Despite perceptions, Gabriola Island maintains its safety, with experienced police officers and stable crime rates.

Journalist: Frank Moher