RCMP have arrested three people for causing approximately $100,000 worth of damage at the old Catalyst Paper mill in Campbell River while attempting to steal copper wire.
Officers were tipped off on Tuesday by surveillance equipment installed at the site, which had been targeted recently with other thefts. Upon searching the approximately 380-acre site with the help of police dog Gator and his handler, they were led to a room within a large abandoned building at the site, where they found the thieves under an access panel in the floor.
The suspects attempted to use bear spray on the officers in an attempt to escape, but were apprehended. It turns out they are wanted in the Lower Mainland on numerous warrants, according to the police.