Nanaimo RCMP say one man has been arrested following a series of incidents that ended with him barricading himself on a privately-owned tugboat Sunday.

Around 2:45 p.m., Mounties were alerted to an alleged theft at Thrifty Foods located in the Port Place Mall.

Staff said a man had attempted to leave the store with unpaid merchandise and allegedly threatened a Loss Prevention Officer when confronted by store security.

A short time later, police responded when the same individual was seen boarding a privately -owned tugboat moored nearby.

Officers said the man barricaded himself inside and alleged he threatened the officers, refusing to leave.

The RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, RCMP Negotiators and RCMP West Coast RCMP Marine Services were deployed due to the barricaded nature and possibility of violence.

Authorities say the suspect was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m.

Insp. Donovan Tait said in a statement that the co-ordination of units allowed for a “swift, controlled, and effective response”.

The suspect is facing charges of break and enter and two counts of mischief. He remains in police custody.