Date: Friday, May 28, 2021
Files: 21-20842, 21-20902
Victoria, BC – Officers have arrested two suspects for two separate knife-point robberies at convenience stores over a 15-hour period.
21-20842
Patrol officers were called to a convenience store in the 2600-block of Douglas Street just before 4:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon. Staff called 911 and reported that a man entered the store, grabbed a drink, and then approached the counter, brandished a knife and demanded cigarettes. The clerk handed the man cigarettes and the man left.
The man’s description was broadcast over VicPD radio channels and he was spotted a short time later by two VicPD Special Municipal Constables near the intersection of King and Blanshard streets.
An Integrated Canine Service team, including PSD Havoc, responded. Given that the man had allegedly committed a robbery while armed with a knife, PSD Havoc was deployed to assist in the arrest. Upon seeing PSD Havoc, the man complied with officers’ direction and was taken into custody without incident.
No one was physically injured.
The man was searched and found to be in possession of a knife and cigarettes matching those stolen during the robbery.
The man was transported to VicPD cells. He faces recommended charges for robbery and for possession of a knife contrary to court orders.
He was held for morning court.
21-20902
Patrol officers were called a convenience store in the 1300-block of Douglas Street just before 8:00 a.m. this morning after staff called 911 to report a man had robbed them at knife point.
Staff reported that a man had entered the store and had begun placing chocolate bars into the pockets of his hoodie and a bag. The man then left the store, leaving the bag behind. The staff retrieved the bag and placed it behind the counter. A few moments later, the man returned to the store and walked behind the counter. He displayed a knife and took the bag containing the stolen items. He then left the store.
The man’s description was broadcast to responding Patrol officers.
A short time later, the man was spotted in the 700-block of Pandora Avenue by officers. He was taken into custody without further incident. He was searched and found to be in possession of a knife and the bag containing the chocolate bars.
Once identified, officers confirmed that the man was also in breach of a release order that required him to be under 24-hour house arrest at a multi-unit temporary residential housing facility in the 100-block of Gorge Road East. This house arrest was required as the man awaits disposition of multiple break and enter charges in relation to a series of break-ins to businesses across the Greater Victoria region.
He was transported to VicPD cells and held for court.
Both of these files remain under investigation. If you have information about either of these incidents and have not yet spoken with officers, please call (250) 995-7654. Press #1 to speak with the Report Desk. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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