Date: Monday, March 15th, 2021

File: 21-9984

Victoria, BC – An Alberta man was arrested yesterday after a series of break and enters in which he was armed with an axe.

Just after 10 a.m. yesterday morning, Patrol and Integrated Canine Service (ICS) officers were called to a residence in the 1700-block of Oak Shade Lane for a report of an attempted break and enter to a home. The homeowner, who was home at the time of the incident, reported that he had been confronted by a man armed with an axe.

Armed with a description of the man, officers began to search the area. As they searched, they were contacted by several area residents who reported seeing the man running through yards and attempting to gain access to various residences. He eventually entered a residence in the 1800-block of Richardson Street.

As officers arrived at the Richardson Street residence, a woman fled the building announcing that the man had entered and was still inside. Officers approached and with the assistance of ICS K9, were able to call the man out and take him into custody without further incident.

As officers continued their investigation they learned that the man had entered other residences in the area and had reportedly stolen several items, including prescription medications.

During the course of the investigation officers learned the man, wanted on warrants in Alberta, had travelled to Victoria and was sheltering in Beacon Hill Park. It is believe that he travelled from the Beacon Hill Park area to the Rockland area and may have committed other break and enters to residences or outbuildings along the way. Residents are asked to check their residences and outbuildings and report encounters or thefts through our Report Desk.

The man was held in custody for telebail. He faces multiple recommended charges for break and enter and assault with a weapon.

If you have information about this incident and have not yet spoken to officers, you are asked to call our non-emergency line Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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