First responders from several police and fire detachments responded to a massive manhunt in View Royal Wednesday afternoon.
Just after 3 p.m., West Shore RCMP officers spotted a man who was wanted for several criminal charges, including being unlawfully at large out of Kelowna and Vernon.
In attempt to flee from police, the 49-year-old suspect jumped in the Gorge waterway. Police attempted to verbally negotiate with the man and have him return to the shoreline, however, the suspect was not cooperating with police.
Police said he kept walking away from them, with the water up to his waist, and made concerning comments about hurting himself before he would get out of the water.
The suspect attempted to flea officers in a stolen kayak until it tipped over near Christie Point.
Over 30 members from the West Shore RCMP, Saanich Police, and Victoria Police flooded the area. View Royal Fire Department and Saanich Fire Department also assisted with their boats.
The suspect managed to make it back to shore where he allegedly attempted to break into apartments along the water near Christie Point.
Police managed to track him down with the help of a police dog along the shoreline near Craigowan Rd, about 40 minutes after the incident began. He was hiding in the bushes and was apprehended without incident.
The suspect of no fixed address was taken into custody and will appear in court Thursday morning.
