Saanich Police say a man in crisis was arrested Sunday following a multi-jurisdictional road rage incident that saw him speed through red lights and brandish a knife at multiple people.
Officers were first made aware of the incident at 12:40 p.m., when a 911 caller alleged that a man was driving a Chevrolet Aveo “erratically” in the 2500-block of Blanshard Street, according to Saanich Police in a news release.
Shortly after, police say another 911 caller spotted the same erratic driver exiting his vehicle in the 2600-block before allegedly brandishing a knife toward a driver. Then, a third caller said a man with a knife had confronted them in the 3200-block.
“The erratic driving continued with the driver of the Chevrolet Aveo failing to stop at red lights, passing unsafely, and speeding,” Saanich Police said in the release.
The incident continued when another witness called 911, informing police that the driver was in the parking lot of the Save-On-Foods at Saanich Plaza, near Uptown Shopping Centre.
Saanich Police say its officers attended the scene alongside Victoria Police, and both detachments worked together to de-escalate the man who was in crisis and had a wound, believed to be self-inflicted, to his body.
The man, described by police as a 36-year-old Greater Victoria resident, was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and provided medical and mental health-related care.
Police say he was later arrested for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats, as well as two counts of assault with a weapon. They say he was also on parole with an outstanding warrant for his arrest, and his parole officer was made aware of his recent actions.
“This multijurisdictional incident could not have been remedied so quickly had it not been for the excellent awareness and communication of the witnesses involved,” said D/Sgt. Damian Kowalewich of Saanich Police.
“It was fortunate that no other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists were injured given the overall erratic driving and behaviour of the driver,” added Kowalewich.
Saanich Police say the man was held in custody to face criminal charges as officers continue investigating and gathering evidence. The victims and witnesses, meanwhile, were offered supportive resources following the incident.
CHEK News
