A man accused of randomly attacking women in downtown Victoria with a burning chemical has been arrested.
The incidents first began in late November when police issued a media release when two women had an unknown, hot-feeling liquid splashed on their legs, causing a burning sensation and skin irritation—at the time, it was believed the liquid was hot coffee.
Since that time, more similar incidents occurred, including on Thursday, December 29th when a man sprayed an unknown liquid on a group of women in the 1100-block of Government Street.
The victims told police the liquid had damaged their nylons and, similar to the previous incidents, caused a burning sensation on their skin.
The following day, on Friday, December 30th, police arrested a man in relation to these random assaults.
Police say he was later released but now faces conditions that he must abide by as well as a future date in court.
VicPD has confirmed to Victoria Buzz that these attacks were not related to the incident at a supportive housing building on Store Street where a hazmat team was called on Thursday, December 29th.
The building was evacuated and heavily armed officers were seen entering the building with hazmat suits on. One person was arrested in that incident.
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“The investigation is ongoing, and investigators believe that there may be additional victims or witnesses and are looking to speak with anyone who has witnessed or may have experienced a similar encounter but has not yet come forward,” said VicPD in a release.
Investigators are asking any witnesses or additional victims who have not yet reached out to police to call VicPD’s report desk at 250-995-7654 extension 1.
