Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
File: 24-25547
Victoria, BC – Yesterday evening, Detectives with VicPD’s Investigative Services Division (ISD) arrested a man believed to be responsible for a sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours of July 18.
Before 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, a female was approached by an unknown man at the intersection of Wharf Street and Johnson Street. The woman was taken to a green space, near a prominent tulip statue known as The Commerce Canoe, in the area of Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue, where she was threatened, then physical and sexually assaulted. After the assault, the victim ran to a group of people nearby and the suspect fled the area.
During an intensive investigation, Detectives identified the suspect and with support from VicPD’s General Investigation Section, located and arrested him just after 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, in the 500-block of Ellice Street. Concurrently, Detectives executed a search warrant and secured evidence related to the offence.
On July 23, VicPD appealed to the community for witnesses, CCTV footage and dashcam footage from around the time of the assault. “We would like to thank everyone who came forward and provided information and CCTV footage for this incident, which aided us in arresting the suspect,” says VicPD Spokesperson Constable Terri Healy. “It takes a tremendous amount of bravery and courage for survivors to report incidents of sexualized violence, so we take our responsibility to investigate sexual assaults very seriously.”
The suspect, who cannot be named until charges are sworn, was released on an appearance notice which includes restrictive and protective conditions designed to maintain public safety and the safety of those involved. Detectives are working to process and analyze evidence, with the goal of recommending charges to Crown counsel.
Further details about this investigation cannot be shared at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
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