UPDATED WITH FULL STORY: Lockdown lifted at James Bay school after police arrest break-and-enter suspect

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A break and enter suspect being chased by police runs through a preschool classroom then hides out until an observant James Bay resident steps in. April Lawrence reports.

Victoria police take a man into custody after searching the James Bay area following a break-and-enter.

Victoria police officers were called to a hotel in the 100-block of Kingston Street just before 9 a.m. Friday after staff discovered that a man and woman had broken into a secured area.

When confronted by security staff, the man became aggressive while the woman gathered some belongings and the two left before police arrived.

Security staff reported that among the items left behind were several makeshift weapons including a homemade taser.

When officers found the pair the man took off, heading toward the James Bay Community School and the James Bay Community Centre.

“One of our first calls was to the administration of the school to let them know that this was happening,” said Sgt. Kari Cochrane.

The suspect ran through a group of children and entered the buildings, running through a pre-school classroom and down a hallway with the lone officer in pursuit.

He exited the building and ran into the neighbourhood, eluding police.

The school was placed on a “hold and secure”.

For nearly two hours, officers scoured back yards, believing they had the man cornered but that he was hiding somewhere.

Finally, apartment building manager Rick Sutherland, spotted him.

“He came in behind my building and went across and hid in the bushes there,” Sutherland said.

He quickly alerted the closest officer, and as the suspect once again fled, he was chased and taken into custody.

?It was the assistance of James Bay residents on scene that pointed us to the suspect,? Sgt. Barrie Cockle said. ?It?s clear a strong community that exists there with the many people who helped during the search.?

The suspect was taken into custody and will face multiple charges for break and enter, obstructing police, and breaching court-ordered conditions.

A woman, believed to be carrying several bags at the time, is still wanted, but police believe they know who she is.

WATCH BELOW: Raw video of the takedown

Police Takedown for early WEB Jun 2

Police Takedown for early WEB Jun 2

Duration 2m

2017-06-02

https://twitter.com/vicpdcanada/status/870684230048661504

Alexa HuffmanAlexa Huffman

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