Two men charged in 2017 Oak Bay machete attack and home invasion

Two men have been charged in connection with a 2017 home invasion and machete attack in Oak Bay, according to Saanich Police.

On April 25, 2017, Nermeen Alireza was at home alone in the 2500-block of Esplanade Road in Oak Bay when an unknown man entered her home and attacked her with a machete. She experienced life-altering injuries to her arm and hand.

Almost six years later, on Jan. 15, 2023, officers arrested 30-year-old Kaspar Handspiker in Maple Ridge, and he remains in custody for charges of aggravated assault, break and enter, and commit robbery.

Christopher Standell, 52, is also facing one count of accessory after the fact to break and enter and commit robbery.

Alireza says she is relieved to hear charges have been laid in this attack.

“My family and I are relieved to hear of the arrests, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Saanich and Oak Bay Police,” said Alireza in a release. “I am truly grateful to everyone that was involved and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to both police departments, the Oak Bay Fire department, Ambulance Service, hospital staff and surgeons, as well as the Island Hand Therapy Clinic.”

Mark Fisher, Oak Bay’s police chief constable, says the department and Saanich Police’s major crime unit worked together in the investigation.

“This high-profile vicious attack had a significant impact in our community,” said Fisher in a statement. “Supporting this investigation has been a priority for our department and I hope that these charges bring some level of comfort to the victim and those impacted by this crime.”

Saanich Police says both have been formally charged and the matter is before the courts. Because of this no more details will be made available by police.

The charges have not yet been heard in court.

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