The Victoria Police have arrested a man after he threatened to stab officers as they enforced sheltering bylaws in Cecelia Ravine Park.
Both police and city bylaw officers were on hand at the park during the incident, which took place shortly after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18.
According to police, a man — who had been given several previous warnings — had an unlawful structure setup in Cecelia Ravine Park and was asked to collect his belongings and leave the area.
The camper refused to comply with officers and became aggressive.
He then proceeded to threaten to stab police and bylaw officers with a knife. Police say that officers tried to de-escalate the man using crisis intervention techniques, however, the man then fled the area on foot, still armed with a knife.
A police foot chase ensued and officers were able to catch the man in the 400-block of Burnside Road East.
VicPD says that he was arrested at gunpoint.
There were no injuries in the incident and the knife was seized during the man’s arrest.
The man was taken into custody and has since been released with a court date and conditions.
Victoria Police say he faces recommended charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, obstructing a peace officer and two counts of uttering threats.
The file remains under investigation and anyone with information about this incident is being asked to call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Graham Cox
