Date: Monday, May 13, 2024 

Files: 24-16290, 24-16321, 24-16323, 24-16328 

Victoria, BC – VicPD officers are investigating multiple disturbances caused by youth near the Buccaneer Days celebration in Esquimalt on Saturday night. 

After 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, VicPD responded to several different reports of assault occurring along Esquimalt Road near the Buccaneer Days celebration: 

24-16321 | A group of youth were seen fighting in the 1200-block of Esquimalt Road around 10:15 p.m. Officers responded and located four youths who had been bear sprayed. B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics attended to provide first aid and officers searched for the suspects, but no descriptions were provided and the search was unsuccessful.  

24-16323 | At 10:40 p.m., a man and a woman were assaulted by a group of youth in the 1100-block of Esquimalt Road. The man, who was walking with a cane, was “swarmed” by the group and pushed to the ground. Once officers arrived, the suspects had already left the area. Both victims had visible bruising, and the assault is believed to be random. 

24-16328 | A witness called to report observing a female getting bear sprayed by a group of youth in the 800-block of Esquimalt Road, just before 11:15 p.m. However, when officers attended, the victim and suspects were no longer on scene. Investigators are looking to speak to the victim, who was described by the witness as a 30-year-old Caucasian female, riding a red mobility scooter.  

24-16290 | Earlier in the day, it was also reported that a teenage male stole a cash box from a fundraising tent at the event, containing approximately $1,000. 

Additional officers were assigned in the area during the celebration to respond to incidents and help keep attendees safe. Alcohol consumption is believed to have been a factor in these incidents. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing as officers work to gather CCTV footage and speak to witnesses and victims.  

If you are a victim of these assaults and have yet to speak with investigators, or if you have any additional information about these incidents, including possible CCTV footage, please call the E-Comm Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.  

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