Victoria Police have issued an alert as they search for a suspect believed to be involved in two separate incidents, including an attempted kidnapping.
In a release, police say they were called to Bastion Square just after 11 a.m. today for a report of an attempted kidnapping.
The female victim reported that when she returned to her vehicle, a man unknown to her approached her from behind, grabbed her, brandished a knife, and demanded she go with him.
The woman was able to break free and flee. Officers quickly flooded the area, but were unable to locate a suspect. Police said the woman was not physically injured.
The suspect is being described as a Caucasian male, approximately 45-years-old, wearing a long black trench coat, dark sunglasses, and a black toque. He has long hair which was worn in a ponytail. He walked with a slight limp and spoke with what was described as a “French Canadian” accent.
Earlier incident possibly related
Police say the suspect and circumstances resemble another incident that occurred earlier this morning, just after 3 a.m at the intersection of Blanshard and Johnson Streets.
At this time, police say they received a report of an attempted robbery. It is alleged the suspect approached a woman from behind, grabbed her, and attempted to get her to go with him.
The woman in this incident was also able to get away without physical injury.
According to police, the suspect description in this incident bears resemblance to the suspect description in the Bastion Square incident.
Police are looking to speak with any possible witnesses as they search for a suspect.
If you recognize this suspect or have information about either of these incidents you are asked to contact the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. To report what you know anonymously please call Greater Victoria Crime Spotters at 1-800-222-8477.
