UPDATE: Police arrest suspect of gunpoint robbery, deploy tactical units in residential building

Saanich Police Department officers seen in front of 3293 Douglas St. on Nov. 28. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

Saanich Police Department officers and vehicles on Douglas Street. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

Victoria and Saanich police arrested a Saanich man the afternoon of Nov. 28 in relation to a gun-point robbery that occurred in Victoria the night before.

At 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, several units including heavy vehicles and heavily armoured personnel with chain saws and battering rams could be seen entering and exiting 3292 Douglas St. – a two-storey residential building.

According to a press release, the Victoria Police Department determined an occupant in one of the building’s second-floor suites was a suspect in the gunpoint robbery of two youths reported at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27.

That evening, in the 3100-block of Douglas Street, it was reported a man on a bicycle approached the youths and stole a number of their belongings after pulling a gun, according to VicPD. Officers had initially responded with dog units but were unable to locate the suspect, who had fled on the bike.

VicPD, Saanich Police Department, Integrated Canine Service and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team entered the residential suite the next day. “Crisis Negotiators worked to resolve the incident and the suspect surrendered to police without incident,” said police in the release. “A second occupant of the suite was also arrested and later released.”

The first arrested individual was transported to VicPD cells.

Police had originally asked that the public avoid the area, as the intersections of Cloverdale and Douglas streets near Mayfield Shopping Center was blocked off. “The incident is contained (and there is) no risk to the public,” Saanich police had said in a Tweet.

The incident has been resolved safely. Traffic is now open in all directions. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation. #yyjtraffic

— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) November 28, 2021

They continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information can contact VicPD at 250-995-7654, ext. 1, or report anonymously to Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.