A potential hazardous materials incident that closed streets near Cook Street Village has been cleared, according to Victoria Police in an update Wednesday.
It all started Monday when VicPD and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were called to investigate an alleged assault at a multi-unit building in the 400-block of Chester Avenue.
Once on scene, officers discovered potentially hazardous materials inside the suspect’s unit and, out of caution, closed off local roads and set up a safety perimeter. Police also called crews from the Victoria Fire Department and specialized RCMP members to help.
In the update, issued around 3:40 p.m., VicPD says officers were able to determine that the materials in question were not a risk to occupants of the building or the public.
A suspect in the assault investigation, meanwhile, went to a neighbouring police department and has been arrested, VicPD says. They’ve been held in custody to appear in court, and Major Crime Unit detectives are recommending charges of aggravated assault.
The incident remains under investigation.
UPDATE | The potential HAZMAT site officers located in the 400-block of Chester Ave while searching for an assault suspect Monday has been cleared after specialized @VictoriaFire730, @crd_bc HAZMAT & @BCRCMP teams determined it was not a danger. https://t.co/vX5MzdKJvf #YYJ pic.twitter.com/quw1OCpcNK
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) March 8, 2023
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