A man arrested on a break and enter charge in Saanich is believed to have been involved in a car crash a half-hour earlier.
Saanich Police were notified on November 23 at 2:50 p.m. of a single-vehicle collision in the 4500 block of Interurban Road.
Witnesses on scene told officers that a driver had run from the scene after the vehicle crashed into a forested area and came to rest against a tree.
Upon arrival, police saw a person in bushes that appeared to match the description of the driver, but they were unable to locate them.
At 3:15 p.m., while officers were continuing their patrols to find the driver, a 9-1-1 call was received from a home in the 4000 block of Markham Street of a home invasion in progress.
A resident explained that a man covered in blood had gained access to their home and was rambling and not making any sense.
Officers responded to the call and arrested the man for breaking and entering. Saanich Police say they suspect the man is the driver of the crashed vehicle and are investigating to confirm this.
They believe no other people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The man was taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries believed to be related to the collision.
Investigators are still trying to piece together the incident, including what led to the crash, why the driver fled the scene and the reason the suspect entered a private residence that does not appear connected in any way to them.
They have not ruled intoxication or mental health components.
“The health and safety of this individual is first and foremost,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
“The investigation will take some time to paint the entire picture of what happened this afternoon. The impact this vehicle sustained as a result of the crash was significant and it is remarkable that anyone was able to walk away.”
