Police have released more information on a police incident that occurred outside a grocery in the Saanich Plaza parking lot Sunday afternoon.
In a media release, Saanich Police say someone called 911 at around 12:40 p.m., to report an erratic driver in the 2500-block of Blanshard Street, near Hillside Avenue.
Another caller reported the driver of the same vehicle, a Chevrolet Aveo, had exited his car and brandished a knife toward another driver in the 2600-block of Blanshard Street.
Moments later, that victim also called police to report they had been confronted by a man with a knife.
Police said the suspect driver returned to his vehicle and the erratic driving continued with failing to stop at red lights, passing unsafely, and speeding.
Eventually, the suspect driver pulled into the parking lot of the Save on Foods grocery store in the Saanich Plaza.
At that time, a witness alerted police and the vehicle was quickly swarmed by police cruisers.
Heavily armed officers with VicPD and Saanich PD could be seen and heard ordering the man to exit the vehicle.
Police say today’s take down of a man outside a grocery store at Saanich Plaza was related to a road rage incident. More info to come. #yyj #victoriabuzz pic.twitter.com/GepzO0HEx5
— Victoria Buzz (@victoriabuzzes) October 2, 2022
“With the assistance of the Victoria Police, Saanich Police attended and were able to de-escalate the male who was also in crisis and had what was believed to be a self-inflicted wound to his body,” said D/Sgt. Damian Kowalewich with Saanich Police
The suspect complied with police orders and was taken into custody without further incident.
Police said the 36-year-old man was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and provided medical and mental health-related care.
After being assessed at hospital, he was arrested for assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and uttering threats.
In addition to those charges, the man was on parole and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest which has been relayed to his parole officer.
The suspect was held in custody to face the criminal charges as police continue to investigate and gather evidence to support the case.
“This multi-jurisdictional incident could not have been remedied so quickly if not for the excellent awareness and communication of the witnesses involved. It was fortunate that no-one was injured given the overall erratic driving and behaviour of the driver,” stated Kowalewich.
