A VicPD officer was assaulted Wednesday morning while attempting to apprehend a man suffering from a mental health crisis.
Shortly after 10 a.m. today, officers responded to a call at a motel in the 100-block of Gorge Road East.
The caller had threatened to kill people and said there was a deceased person on his balcony.
Upon arrival, officers met the man outside of the building where it became apparent he was suffering from a mental health crisis.
After working to de-escalate the man using crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, the man continued to demonstrate concerning behaviour.
At that time, officers determined the man required a full mental health assessment.
When officers attempted to apprehend him under the Mental Health Act, they were met with force as the man began to fight them.
As a result, officers deployed a taser to control the situation. The man continued to struggle after the taser was deployed.
The man was eventually apprehended after several additional police units arrived.
The man was then transported to hospital for a mental health assessment.
One officer, who had been punched several times, was also transported to hospital where he was treated for a concussion.
The officer was later released, however VicPD said he was unable to complete his shift.
The suspect will face recommended charges of assaulting a police officer.
Anyone with information about this incident are asked to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
