Update: Marvin Antoniuk Jr. charged with attempted murder of his father
A Maple Bay man is in critical condition in Victoria hospital after being shot in the chest with an arrow.
His adult son is in custody, facing a
charge of attempted murder.
Marvin Antoniuk Jr., 48, has been charged with the attempted murder of his father, Marvin Sr., after an incident Sunday near Maple Bay, police say.
Antoniuk was arrested on scene that night, appeared before a justice of the peace, and has been remanded into custody on the attempted-murder charge. His next scheduled court appearance is set for tomorrow.
Antoniuk Sr., in his 70s, was hit by an arrow in the chest at about 7 p.m. at the 1658 Maple Bay Road residence, RCMP Cpl. Jon Stuart said.
“He’s still in (Victoria General) hospital, and still in critical condition.”
Investigation continues into how and why the arrow was fired. The home is listed as the home of Marvin Antoniuk, but it’s not yet clear which one, or if both men are residents.
“There are several people living there,” Stuart said.
Identification-squad members, in white hazard-suits, combed for clues in and around the wooded property behind yellow police tape Monday.
One said there was no indication of any archery shooting range in the yard.
“I hope it was accidental,” neighbour Leah Flagg said after the News Leader Pictorial knocked on her door Monday.
She described her neighbourhood as quiet and the residents of the crime scene as quiet people who seemed to enjoy working in the yard.
She was unaware of commotion or problems on the property.
Stuart said archery injuries “aren’t a common occurrence” in his 17 years as a cop.
Cowichan Bowman Archery Club veteran Eric Walker agreed.
"I can't remember anything like this happening around here," the Chemainus resident said. "It's the same as other hunting sports — normally it's safe, but something can happen."
Police said the adult son was arrested after emergency crews responded to a 911 call, discovering his father with an arrow in his chest.
The victim was transported by ambulance to the Duncan, then taken to Victoria General Hospital by air ambulance, Stuart stated in an earlier release.
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