News release

Update – Arrest made

January 6, 2026 - Courtenay, British Columbia
From: Comox Valley RCMP

Content

File: 2025-19661

The Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit has made an arrest in relation to alleged offences that occurred on December 28, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m. in Courtenay.

That morning, Comox Valley RCMP frontline members responded to a report of a break and enter at the residence of an 83-year-old Courtenay woman. The woman was home at the time and described the suspect as a masked man wearing dark clothing and sunglasses.

As a result of the investigation, a 25-year-old man, Matthew Russell McCharles-Carter, has been arrested and held in custody. He has been charged with the following criminal offences: 

• Sexual Assault (contrary to s. 271 of the Criminal Code)
• Break and Enter (contrary to s. 348(1)(a) of the Criminal Code)
• Unlawful Confinement (contrary to s. 279(2) of the Criminal Code)
• Assault (contrary to s. 266 of the Criminal Code)
• Uttering Threats (contrary to s. 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code)
• Theft over $5000 (contrary to s. 334(a) of the Criminal Code)
• Possess/Use stolen credit card (contrary to s. 342(1)(c) of the Criminal Code)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (contrary to s. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code)
• Disguise face with intent to commit offence (contrary to s. 351(2) of the Criminal Code)

The investigation involved extensive, around-the-clock work by the Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit, frontline members, and assistance from the Integrated Forensic Identification Section. This outcome reflects the seriousness with which these investigations are handled and the priority placed on victim safety, dignity, and offender accountability.

No further information will be released at this time as the matter is before the courts.

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