New footage from a graphic assault at Central Saanich secondary school has been released with hopes of sparking new leads.
Last summer, a student was assaulted at a Stelly’s Secondary School in Central Saanich by a group of masked individuals.
Police put out a call for witnesses and a month later released a photo of a suspect vehicle in relation to the crime.
New footage from that day has been released by Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers.
“At this point we are in the throes of our investigation and we are looking for the public’s assistance,” Cpl. Pat Bryant, with Central Saanich Police, said. “If thy have any information they want to provide the police to help us in out investigation, that would be much appreciated.”
READ MORE: Central Saanich student assaulted at school by group of masked attackers
The six-second video released on Facebook comes with a graphic content warning.
In it, five masked individuals stomp, kick and punch a downed individual in the school’s parking lot.
Bystanders behind the camera can be heard laughing. One even says, “This is awesome,” as the vicious assault unfolds.
The victim was hospitalized with minor injuries, including facial injuries that required stitches, according to police.
It was reported that one of his attackers wielded a mallet, and that a knife was at the scene.
Police put out a call for witnesses to come forward, and reported that they were looking for a black BMW in connection to the assault.
A month later, authorities released a photo of the vehicle.
Story continues below the video.
Warning: This video contains a graphic assault which may be disturbing to some individuals.
READ MORE: Police release photos of vehicle linked to Central Saanich high school assault
Now, with the footage made public, authorities hope someone will come forward with more information from the June 10 incident.
“Hopefully somebody was there driving by the school, or walking at the time, or maybe there was conversation after the assault that took place that you haven’t provided police. We would like to hear from you,” Bryant said.
When asked if this was a targeted attack, Bryant could not confirm.
“We are still trying to figure that out, how come it happened,” he said. “I think some of the public know what happened, who did this.”
Greater Victoria Crime stoppers says that the victim is still suffering from this incident, nearly a year on.
Saanich Schools is also still suffering from the attack.
Superintendent Dave Eberwein told CHEK News that at the time of the assault, it was very upsetting for both students and staff.
The school district continues to work closely with police throughout the investigation.
Eberwein said while releasing this video should generate tips to help police, it can also be triggering for those who experienced it.
“It’s upsetting to see it again. These types of things shouldn’t be happening in any community. It’s just not right and I’m sure it will be upsetting for those who will see it again,” he added.
Eberwein said the school will be mentoring students and staff over the next few weeks and will add additional support if it’s needed.
Reports can be made to Crime Stoppers, anonymously, by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online.
With files from CHEK’s Jeff Lawrence and Ethan Morneau.
Roger Collins
Mackenzie Read
