Woman threatens to stab BC Ferries staff with knife, gets arrested

A Victoria woman was arrested in the Saanich Peninsula after she allegedly attempted to break into a business, tried to rob someone and threatened to stab BC Ferries employees all in the same day.

According to a Sidney/North Saanich RCMP press release, a passenger was waiting at Swartz Bay ferry terminal when a female suspect demanded their cellphone.

When the victim refused to give the woman the electronic device, an altercation took place that resulted in BC Ferries employees intervening, the release notes.

During the altercation, police claim that the woman threatened to stab the employees with a knife before fleeing the terminal on foot.

As officers were responding to the terminal, they received a report that the same woman was attempting to break into a nearby residence in the Lands End area, the release says.

Fortunately, Mounties were able to locate the woman shortly afterward and arrested her without incident.

“This was a dynamic and dangerous situation for everyone involved. Whenever a suspect brandishes a weapon, police officers are forced to make split-second decisions. The officers in this situation used good judgment and relied upon sound de-escalation techniques to address a very agitated individual. I am glad to report that this situation was resolved without anyone being harmed.” Cpl. Andres Sanchez, media relations officer with the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, said in the release.

The woman, whose identity was not disclosed but is a resident of Victoria, was held in police custody.

RCMP say they are recommending several charges including robbery, mischief, assault with a weapon, and break and enter.

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