Following a four hour manhunt for an outstanding suspect in an earlier violent incident with police, the RCMP are now suspending search efforts, and allowing displaced residents to return to their homes. A police presence will remain in the affected area this evening.
Despite an exhaustive search on both the ground and in the air, the suspect was not located. The ongoing efforts of the West Shore RCMP Crime Reduction Unit have led to the suspect being identified through other means. He cannot be named at this time, as no charges or warrants have been laid/issued. The suspect is well known to police in the Capital Region.
Armed with his identity, officers are actively pursuing other avenues to locate and arrest him. There is no indication that he poses a risk to public safety at this time.
At around noon today, officers with the Crime Reduction Unit of the West Shore RCMP were investigating a vehicle stolen from the Sooke area earlier that same day. The officers attempted to conduct a roadside stop in relation to this investigation on Finlayson Arm Road near Falcon Heights in the Langford.
Preliminary investigative findings suggest that the suspect attempted to hit officers with the stolen vehicle he was driving. A firearm, believed to be stolen, has also been seized as part of this investigation.
The vehicle fled from the area, crashing a short distance away. One suspect was arrested without incident at the crash site, while the alleged driver of the vehicle fled the scene on foot. A manhunt is underway for this outstanding male suspect.
This evolving situation drew a significant police response, with multiple local and regional RCMP units assisting including an RCMP Helicopter, RCMP Police Dog Units, the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), and uniformed officers.
Details of the interaction between police and the suspects at this scene are being confirmed, though preliminary information suggests an officer discharged their firearm. There are no known injuries to anyone involved in this incident.
Police ask anyone in the area of Finlayson Arm Road and Falcon Heights to report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately.
The outstanding suspect is described as:
- Caucasian male
- Late 20’s to early 30’s
- Approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall
- Thin build
- Wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt
If you have any information on the location of the suspect, you are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.
CTV Coverage:
RCMP helicopter joins the manhunt at #goldstreampark @CTVNewsVI pic.twitter.com/SOSL0J6vVk
— Zahra Premji الزهراء (@Zahra_Premji) September 25, 2015
Dynamic police intervention near Finlayson arm Rd and TCH. Avoid area to allow us to work please. #yyj
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) September 25, 2015
