Saanich Police have arrested a 41-year-old man after he was caught committing an indecent act and attempting to break into a residence early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred just after 12:30 a.m., the victim was inside their home when they noticed a man looking in through a sliding glass door.
Police said the man then removed his pants and began committing an indecent act. He then walked toward the door to grab the handle to enter but the victim was able to quickly run up and lock it from inside.
He then ran off through the backyard.
Officers attended along with the Integrated Canine Section who were able to locate the man in a park in the 4300-block of Tyndall Avenue.
Police said 41-year-old Sherwin Batley was arrested without incident and was held in custody to appear before court that same morning.
Batley is facing charges of break and enter and for committing an indecent act.
According to Saanich Police, Batley has a lengthy criminal history with many cases still before the courts.
The victim, who had never seen the man before this, was terrified by the encounter, said Const. Markus Anastasiades
“The quick actions of the victim prevented this from escalating into a potentially much more serious incident,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
