https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/detach/en/d/174

Comox Valley RCMP, 800 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC (2026)

05/28/2026

RCMP urge safe riding as complaints increase in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley RCMP is reminding riders and parents that both gas-powered dirt bikes and high-powered e-dirt bikes are not street legal and that dangerous riding behaviour is becoming an increasing public safety concern throughout the community.

Recent growth in the popularity of e-dirt bikes, combined with ongoing concerns involving traditional dirt bikes, has led to more off-road vehicles being operated on local streets, sidewalks, trails, and around neighbourhoods — including near several Comox Valley high schools and parks.

Riders and parents may mistakenly believe e-dirt bikes fall under the same rules as e-bikes, when in reality both gas and electric dirt bikes are treated almost the same under the BC Motor Vehicle Act.

“Whether it’s powered by gas or electricity, the rules around safe operation and road use remain very similar,” said Cst. Monika Terragni. “The concern isn’t about taking fun away from kids — it’s about preventing serious injuries and helping young riders avoid consequences that can follow them for years.”

While street-legal e-bikes are limited to 32 km/h, restricted to 500 watts of power, and equipped with functional pedals, dirt bikes and e-dirt bikes are designed for off-road use and cannot legally operate on public roads unless they meet licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

Complaints to police involving dangerous micromobility and off-road vehicle use — including e-bikes, e-dirt bikes, dirt bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, and mini-motorcycles — have increased across the Comox Valley.

“Parents, riders, and the public all play a role in keeping roads and pathways safe. The goal is for everyone to make responsible decisions, so enforcement doesn’t have to become part of the conversation.”

However, when enforcement does become part of the conversation, riders operating dirt bikes or e-dirt bikes illegally on roadways may face significant penalties under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, including:

• No insurance — $598
• No driver’s licence — $276 and three penalty points
• No helmet — $138 and two penalty points
• Driving without due care — $368 and six penalty points
• Driving without consideration — $196 and six penalty points
• Seven-day vehicle impoundment
• Stunting-related offences

Some of the violation tickets may be issued to either the rider or the registered owner and those issued to unlicensed youth can impact future licensing with ICBC.

Education and targeted enforcement efforts will continue as the Comox Valley RCMP works to reduce risk and improve road safety for everyone.

05/14/2026

E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Know the Rules Before You Ride in the Comox Valley

As warmer weather approaches and more people head outdoors, the Comox Valley RCMP is reminding residents to understand the rules around electric scooters and electric bikes to help keep everyone safe.

The City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, and Town of Comox are participating in British Columbia’s electric kick scooter pilot project. Electric kick scooters are battery-powered devices with two to four wheels, a standing platform, and handlebars for steering.

Riders may use electric kick scooters on public roads within participating communities, subject to local bylaws and riders must be at least 16 years old.

E-bikes, legally defined as “motor assisted cycles,” are also permitted on public roads in B.C. These power-assisted cycles must meet provincial requirements. While a driver’s licence and insurance are not required, minimum age restrictions apply depending on the type of e-bike.

Key rules for e-bikes include:
• Standard e-bikes: maximum speed of 32 km/h, minimum age 16
• Light e-bikes: maximum speed of 25 km/h, minimum age 14
• No passengers permitted

For both e-bikes and e-scooters:
• Use designated bike lanes where available
• If no bike lane exists, ride as close as practicable to the right side of the road
• Do not ride on sidewalks or in crosswalks
• Helmet required

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads and pathways safe,” says Cst. Brad Landers, Comox Valley RCMP Traffic Unit. “With more people out enjoying the weather, we’re asking all road users to be patient, stay aware of their surroundings, and show consideration for one another.”

For more information on provincial regulations, visit these websites:
Electric kick scooter rules and safety - Province of British Columbia
(https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/electric-kick-scooter-rules)

ICBC Operating Rules, Low-powered vehicles
(https://icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Low-powered-vehicles)

Bike and e-bike rules and safety - Province of British Columbia
(https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules)

05/11/2026

Coffee with a Cop during Police Week 2026

As part of Police Week 2026, the Comox Valley RCMP is inviting community members to join officers for Coffee with a Cop—an opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting, ask questions, share concerns, or simply stop by for a conversation.

“Police Week is about building relationships, strengthening trust, and recognizing the importance of working together to keep our communities safe,” said Comox Valley RCMP Officer in Charge, Insp. Scott Mercer. “Coffee with a Cop gives us a chance to step away from calls for service and connect with the people we serve in a more personal and informal way.”

Residents are invited to drop in at any of the following locations:

Cumberland
Location: Cumberland Grind Espresso & Smoothie Bar
Date: May 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Comox
Location: The Mill Coffee
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Courtenay
Location: Mudsharks Coffee Bar
Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Whether you have a question, a concern, or just want to say hello, everyone is welcome. No speeches, no presentations—just coffee and conversation.

05/07/2026

UPDATE: Suspect (no longer) sought in Courtenay assault

The Comox Valley RCMP would like to thank the public and media for their assistance with the media release published on May 7, 2026. The suspects have been identified.

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The Comox Valley RCMP is asking for the public’s help to identify those responsible for an assault with a weapon that occurred on May 4, 2026.

At approximately 3:40 p.m., police received a report that a man had been shot in the face with a BB type gun while he was walking on the 680-block of Cliffe Avenue. The victim sustained a minor injury just below his eye.

Investigators obtained surveillance images of the suspect vehicle, however the licence plate was not visible. The suspect is believed to have been the front passenger of a 4-door orange/red Toyota sedan carrying three or more occupants. The vehicle was last seen travelling up 8th Street.

“This appears to be a targeted and completely unacceptable act of violence against a vulnerable member of our community,” said Cst. Monika Terragni of the Comox Valley RCMP. “We are asking anyone who recognizes this vehicle or has information about those involved to come forward.”

Anyone with information, dash camera footage, or surveillance video is asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 and refer to file 2026-6697. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca.

05/07/2026

UPDATE: Driver identified in hit-and-run investigation

The Comox Valley RCMP has identified and arrested the driver involved in the hit-and-run collision that occurred on May 4, 2026 in Courtenay.

Following the public appeal for information, the driver of the suspect vehicle attended the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment and voluntarily turned herself in. She has since been arrested in connection with the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.

05/07/2026

Comox Valley RCMP looking to locate suspect vehicle after hit-and-run

The Comox Valley RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance following a hit-and-run collision that occurred on May 4, 2026 in Courtenay.

At approximately 2:12 p.m. police responded to a collision at the intersection of Vanier Drive and Cliffe Road involving a suspect vehicle that fled the scene after colliding with a motorcyclist.

Dashcam footage of the suspect vehicle has been provided to police. The vehicle involved is believed to be a grey, 4-door, Honda Civic with an unknown licence plate. It was last seen travelling northbound on Highway 19a. The vehicle likely sustained some front end damage as the result of the collision.

The motorcyclist was transported by Emergency Health Services to hospital where he received medical attention for minor injuries.

Police are asking anyone that witnessed the collision, observed the suspect vehicle, or may have dash camera footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 and refer to file 2026-6690. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca.

04/29/2026

Man arrested following alleged laser pointing at aircraft

Comox Valley RCMP confirms one individual has been arrested after allegedly pointing a laser at a military aircraft.

On April 23, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Comox Valley RCMP received notification from 19 Wing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) base that one of their military aircraft – a fixed wing Kingfisher was allegedly targeted with a laser. With their assistance, the 38-year-old male suspect was promptly located and arrested without incident. He was subsequently released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Investigators continue to gather evidence and a detailed report to Crown Counsel will be forwarded with consideration of appropriate charges. As the investigation continues, no further details about this incident can be released at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.

04/23/2026

Wanted man from the Comox Valley

Kyle Scott Piraux is currently wanted for possession of co***ne for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, breach of release order, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of break and enter tools, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and trafficking of a stolen motor vehicle(s).

Kyle is 39 years old. He is described as having brown hair and blue eyes. He is approximately 5’11” tall, 185 lbs.

He is known to travel Vancouver Island and may be spending time in the Duncan area.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Kyle Scott Piraux is asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

04/22/2026

Suspicious vehicle complaint leads to arrest and significant drug seizure

On April 9, 2026, frontline officers with the Comox Valley RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on the 1800-block of Riverside Lane in Courtenay.

Upon attendance, officers located a male alongside the vehicle who appeared to be consuming drugs – he was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Subsequent searches led officers to seize what is believed to be over 300 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 185 grams of fentanyl, smaller amounts of crack co***ne, powder co***ne, ketamine, pills and additional items believed to be consistent with drug trafficking including over $3000 in cash.

Further investigation revealed the male was also wanted on an outstanding warrant. He was held in police custody pending a court appearance.

“This is a great example of how timely information from the public can make a real difference,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP. “When something doesn’t seem right, reporting it allows officers to respond and investigate which can directly contribute to removing harmful drugs from our community.”

The Comox Valley RCMP would like to thank the public for their vigilance and encourage anyone who observes suspicious activity to report it right away.

04/21/2026

Courtenay incident resolved safely

On April 20, 2026, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Comox Valley RCMP responded to a report of uttering threats involving a weapon at residence in the 80-block of Leash Road in Courtenay.

The suspect was believed to be inside the residence, so investigators acted quickly and obtained a warrant to enter and search the home. Frontline members, the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, and Crisis Negotiators all attended the scene and the individual was safely taken into custody.

At the time of the incident, the individual arrested was bound by a release order prohibiting him from being in the City of Courtenay and was also wanted on six outstanding warrants – he was arrested on the outstanding matters and police are recommending several new criminal charges.

“Incidents like this can escalate quickly, particularly when weapons could be involved. The coordinated response by multiple units ensured the situation was contained and resolved safely with the well-being of everyone involved remaining the top priority.” Said Inspector Scott Mercer, Officer in Charge of the Comox Valley RCMP.

The 43-year old man from the City of Courtenay was held in police custody pending an appearance in court.

Comox Valley RCMP

05/28/2026

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