"Extremely intoxicated" Australian man arrested after allegedly stealing snowboard, assaulting woman in Whistler

A 27-year-old Australian man was arrested in Whistler this past Sunday in connection with a series of events that began with a stolen snowboard.

According to Whistler RCMP, the incident began around 4:45 pm, when police were flagged down at Glacier Way and Blackcomb Way by a person who reported his snowboard had been stolen “after he placed in on the ground momentarily.”

The suspect was described to police, and it was discovered that he had fled the area, but not before throwing his jacket on the ground, which contained his wallet.

Then, at approximately 5:55 pm, police were called after the same individual allegedly assaulted a woman at a business in the 4800 block of Spearhead Drive.

Staff at the business “managed to lock the individual in a bathroom” until police arrived and the suspect was arrested, said RCMP Sgt. Paul Hayes. “The male, who was extremely intoxicated and appeared to be under the influence of other substances, was taken to jail, where he continued to be uncooperative and caused damage to the detachment.”

• See also:
  • Wanted man in custody after multi-city police chase in Lower Mainland
  • VPD traffic officer allegedly almost hit by speeding, uninsured driver
  • Police release surveillance footage of suspect who allegedly stole and crashed seaplane

Hayes said investigation into the incidents is continuing, and any members of the public who may have witnessed what happened are asked to contact police at 604 932-3044, or call Crime Stoppers.