Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
File: 25-19629
Victoria, B.C. – On the morning of May 29, 2025, shortly after 10:00 a.m., VicPD received multiple 911 calls reporting that a group of males had placed a bag over another man’s head and were pulling him into a white van near the Victoria Courthouse in what appeared to be a kidnapping.
Given the nature of the incident, its proximity to a high-security area, and corroborating eyewitness accounts, several VicPD investigative units, along with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), were deployed to respond swiftly and thoroughly.
The white van was quickly located within the City of Victoria. A few hours later officers identified several individuals associated with the vehicle and determined that the situation was, in fact, just a bachelor party prank.
“We appreciate people wanting to have fun, but this took it too far,” said Staff Sergeant Shawn Robson. “The initial reports led us to believe a violent kidnapping was in progress, requiring an immediate and significant response to a situation that turned out to be false. We are urging everyone to please be cognizant of how any prank will be viewed to others in our community.”
We extend our sincere thanks to the many members of the public who assisted with this investigation, including those who shared dashcam and CCTV footage. Your vigilance and cooperation were greatly appreciated.
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