Victoria police say an officer was thanked by a suspect for arresting him shortly after the two had been in a physical altercation.
Authorities say the man was taken into custody Monday night after allegedly fighting a patrol officer, a loss prevention officer, a manager and a passerby at a local store in the 2600-block of Quadra Street.
According to VicPD, the suspect said he was in a days-long period of drug use and was unable to access detox and other social supports and allegedly said he was aware he would have access to support while in custody.
Police were called to the store just before 7:30 p.m. for a report that a man had taken items without paying for them, and began to fight with a loss prevention officer.
A store manager and bystander stepped in to try and help contain the suspect while another person called 9-1-1.
The caller said the suspect claimed to have a weapon and threatened to stab those restraining him, which resulted in several officers being dispatched to the call.
When the first officer arrived, a brief struggle ensued, but the suspect was taken into custody and no one was injured.
The suspect is known to police and was held in custody for a morning court appearance and connected with support services.
Police are recommending charges of theft, robbery, assault and resisting arrest.
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