Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024 

Files: 24-28443 

Victoria, BC – Charges have been sworn against a man who discharged a smoke grenade inside a restaurant in the 500-Block of Fisgard Street yesterday. The accused faces one count of Mischief and one count of Breach of Undertaking (for failing to comply with conditions).

Just before 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, officers received a call from a witness who observed a male smash the front door of a restaurant in the 500-Block of Fisgard Street with a rock. After fleeing on foot prior to police arrival, officers identified, located and arrested the suspect less than two hours after the incident occurred. Charges have not yet been approved for this incident, as the investigation is still being finalized. 

The accused was released with conditions not to return to the business and to attend a future court date. Bill C-75, which came into effect nationally in 2019, legislated a “principle of restraint” that requires police to release an accused person at the earliest possible opportunity after considering certain factors which include the likelihood the accused will attend court, the imminence of the risk posed to public safety, and the impact on confidence in the criminal justice system. At the time of the first incident, there was no reason to believe the accused would not meet any of the criteria, so to comply with the legislation, he was released. 

At approximately 2:00 p.m. that same day, officers responded to a report of a smoke grenade being discharged inside the same restaurant. Due to a delay in receiving the report, when officers arrived on-scene, the building had already been evacuated. Investigators believe over 30 patrons were inside the restaurant at the time of the incident, and there may have been additional witnesses nearby. 

Through the investigation, officers believed the same suspect was responsible for both offences. As a result, he was located and arrested a second time, in the 2900-Block of Douglas Street just after 9:15 a.m. this morning. After charges were laid, the accused was released by the courts with conditions and a future court appearance.  

As the matter is now before the courts, further details are not available. 

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