House fire in Bowser

October 14, 2025 - Qualicum, British Columbia
From: Oceanside RCMP

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File # 2025-10817

On 2025-Oct-13 at 4:30 pm the Oceanside RCMP were notified that a vehicle had driven into a home in Bowser and moments after were updated that the home was now on fire. While emergency personal were responding further information was received that the home owner and occupants were being attacked. Information provided at that time had implied someone had died but this was later determined not to be so. 

Multiple RCMP members responded and the suspect was arrested and was transported to the Nanaimo Hospital.

The Oceanside RCMP believe this was an isolated incident with no outstanding risk to the public.

Although the investigation is still ongoing Dempsey Alan Meechan has been charged with the following offences:

• Dangerous Operation of the Conveyance contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Arson with Disregard for Human Life contrary to section 433(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada
• Assault with a Weapon contrary to section 267(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Mischief contrary to section 430 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

While responding to this unfolding emergency one of the Oceanside detachment police vehicles was involved in a collision at the old Island Hwy and Crescent Rd E in Qualicum.   Both vehicles involved sustained significant damage and luckily there were no major injuries.  

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