Police used a beanbag gun to arrest a man during an incident that spilled onto the busy Trans-Canada Highway in Saanich Tuesday afternoon.
According to a Saanich police media release, a man had been camping in the area for several weeks. He was on private property, with a tent, a large amount of personal property and two dogs – one of which was previously deemed to be dangerous by the City of Victoria.
The man had become increasingly confrontational with authorities about moving his property over the past few weeks, police said. They attempted to connect him with social services and housing opportunities, but he refused both and refused to leave.
Police said they told him he would be arrested under the Trespass Act if he refused to move his encampment because it was obstructing a multi-use path. Officers issued a warning Tuesday morning (Aug. 30), in addition to one issued Monday (Aug. 29).
Police said when they approached him near the Galloping Goose bridge at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, the man threatened to kill police with his dogs if they did not leave him alone. He then proceeded to flee with the dogs onto the highway at Carey Road. To ensure public safety, officers temporarily closed traffic on the highway.
According to the report, police deployed the beanbag gun after further discussions deteriorated. Neither of the dogs were injured and were seized by CRD Animal Control Services. The man, however, sustained minor injuries from the beanbag round.
The 51-year-old is facing charges of assault with a weapon, obstructing a peace officer and trespassing. He remains in police custody.
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