Date: Monday, December 5, 2022

File: 22-46166

Victoria, BC – A VicPD officer received non-life-threatening injuries after stopping a woman who was preventing BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) paramedics from providing life-saving medical care to a person experiencing an opioid overdose last night.

At approximately 7:50 p.m., Patrol officers were called to the 900-block of Pandora Avenue to assist BCEHS paramedics who were attempting to revive a person suffering from a life-threatening opioid overdose when a bystander attempted to stop paramedics from treating their patient. A Patrol officer arrived and located the paramedics working on their patient surrounded by a group of bystanders. The officer then observed a woman step out from the group of bystanders, push a paramedic aside and stand over the patient. The officer took the woman by the arm and removed her from the immediate area. Paramedics continued their life-saving efforts.

The woman then stated that she would continue to interrupt paramedics’ work. The officer attempted to get the woman to speak with him about her concerns in an effort to de-escalate the situation and allow the paramedics time to treat their patient. The woman again attempted to move towards where paramedics were working, so the officer then walked the woman to the corner of Pandora Avenue and Quadra Street.

The woman then attacked the officer, striking him in the face and knocking his glasses off. The officer took the woman to the ground and held her until additional officers arrived and assisted in taking her into custody.

The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the assault and his glasses were damaged, but he was able to complete his shift.

The woman was transported to VicPD cells and then released with a future court date. She was not injured.

BCEHS paramedics were successful in reviving their patient through life-saving emergency medical care.

This incident remains under investigation.

If you witnessed, or have video of this incident, please call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.

 

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