The Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit has made an arrest in relation to a break and enter at a home in Courtenay.

On Sunday, December 28, police responded to a report of a break and enter at the residence of an 83-year-old Courtenay woman.

She was home at the time and described the suspect as a masked man wearing dark clothing and sunglasses.

A 25-year-old man, Matthew Russell McCharles-Carter, has been arrested and held in custody.

He’s facing numerous charges, including sexual assault, assault, unlawful confinement, uttering threats, break and enter, theft over $5000, and more.

In a statement from RCMP, 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.

The statement says the 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.