Saanich Police have arrested 43-year-old David Hope in a sexual assault and robbery that occurred at an apartment on Church Avenue in Saanich.
In late January, police were contacted when two young women had entered a Starbucks in the 3600 block of Shelbourne St and were in distress. The women were assaulted in their home and then taken to a nearby bank where they were robbed.
The attacker was banging on the door of the suite on Church Avenue around 8PM. When the two women in their 20s living there opened the door, the unknown man to the women forced his way in and a sexual assault occurred.
After the assault, the suspect forced the two women to walk to a nearby bank and demanded they withdraw cash to give to the attacker.
The women managed to get away and fled to the Starbucks at Shelbourne Plaza where the staff contacted police.
After the incident, police released an image and surveillance video from the scene showing the alleged suspect with hopes the public could help identify him. They also conducted a door to door canvass of the neighbourhood.
Saanich Police say they had a number of resources dedicated to solving this horrific crime including assistance from both the Victoria Police Department and the Saskatoon Police Service.
Through the investigative process officers were able to successfully identify the suspect.
On April 5, Saanich Police travelled to Saskatoon and, with the assistance of the Saskatoon Police Service, the suspect was arrested in connection to this crime.
The accused, David Hope, has been arrested and charged with break and enter, sexual assault, two counts of robbery and two counts of forcible confinement.
“Mr. Hope has lived in various western provinces and has family ties to Vancouver Island.” said A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie. “The investigation revealed that Mr. Hope left the province shortly after the offence occurred.”
After tracking down the accused he was arrested and remanded into police custody by the Saskatoon Courts.
Saanich Police Major Crime Detectives transported Mr. Hope back to Victoria late Wednesday night and he is scheduled to appear in Victoria court this morning.
