A double carjacking suspect was arrested for the third consecutive day after he was caught breaking into an occupied home on Tuesday.
The incident occurred just after 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at a residence in the North Jubilee area.
Police responded to a report of a break and enter in progress and discovered that the suspect, later identified as Seth Packer, had entered a home and stolen a wallet.
While fleeing the scene, Packer attempted to enter an idling, occupied vehicle parked in the 1800-block of Fort Street, but the driver blocked his entry.
He was arrested in the 1900-block of Richardson Street after being followed by the homeowner.
This marks the third consecutive day police have arrested Packer for similar incidents.
On Sunday April 21nd, VicPD arrested Packer for attempting to steal an occupied vehicle on Shelbourne Street. He was arrested again on April 22nd for pushing a woman and stealing her car on Johnson Street.
During this incident, Packer caused two motor vehicle collisions and fled on foot before attempting to steal another vehicle—bystanders held him down until police arrived.
“After the same individual caused two motor vehicle collisions, attempted to steal several vehicles and was successful on one of the attempts, and is now entering into peoples’ homes without consent, all in a matter of days, it is a miracle that no one has been seriously hurt or injured,” said VicPD Chief Del Manak.
While Packer was held in custody on April 22nd, he was released after a court appearance on April 23rd.
He faces charges including attempted theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and failing to comply with conditions from the April 21st and 22nd incidents.
Additional charges of break and enter, attempted robbery, and attempted theft of a motor vehicle were sworn against him from last night’s incident.
“Repeat offenders like this put a significant strain on our resources and pose a risk to community safety. We will continue to work within our means to prevent further harm to the public, which includes advocating for Mr. Packer to remain in custody. Ultimately, that decision is up to the courts.”
On Tuesday, VicPD explained that he was released the day prior due to Bill C-75, which requires police to release an accused person as soon as possible while considering factors such as the likelihood of the person appearing in court, the immediacy of the risk to public safety, and the impact on public confidence in the criminal justice system.
