Repeat offender charged in Nanaimo, remains in custody

An incident from July 4, 2025, in which a bicycle was stolen from an unsuspecting youth has resulted in charges and the offender being remanded into police custody on numerous other criminal code offences. The news release that followed the bike theft garnered significant interest and outrage from the public via social media.

The investigation was handled by the Special Investigations/Targeted Enforcement unit (SITE). This team, consisting of highly motivated skilled investigators caught a break on the file when on August 24, 2025, the primary suspect in the theft was arrested for shoplifting at a local Save On Foods. During the incident it is alleged that the suspect brandished a handgun.

48-year-old Jason Diraddo of no fixed address was arrested and remanded into police custody on 13 Criminal Code offences which include Theft under $5000 x 7, Robbery, Uttering Threats x 2, Obstruction x 2 and one count of Assault. His next court appearance is on October 7, 2025, in Nanaimo Provincial Court.