Large police response at Port Alberni Motel

During the morning of April 17, 2023 officers with Port Alberni RCMP detachment attended a motel in the 4100 block of Redford St, while on scene a member of Port Alberni’s Major Crime unit observed a wanted man in his 40’s inside one of the motel’s rooms.

David Daniel Bird was wanted by police for a series of violent offences including robbery, forcible confinement, break and enter, and assault with a weapon.

Front line officers were supported by officers from Port Alberni’s Major Crime Unit to contain the area, until the Vancouver Island Critical Incident Command Team arrived on scene. The Critical Incident Command team consists of Emergency Response Team, negotiators and command elements from across Vancouver Island.

Barricaded people are inherently dangerous situations that are often fluid and dynamic. We appreciate the understanding of citizens who allowed officers work through this to come to a safe end, stated Constable Richard Johns. Officers were able to ensure this situation resolved quickly and safely through cooperation with BC EHS, Port Alberni Fire Department and staff from the City of Port Alberni.

David Bird was held for a bail hearing, and remanded in custody for court appearances later this month.