Latest news with #SaanichPolice
CTV News
18-07-2025
- CTV News
B.C. police oversight agency seeks witnesses after man injured by police dog in Saanich
British Columbia's police oversight agency is investigating after a man was injured by a police dog during an arrest in Saanich earlier this week. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. says it is looking for witnesses to the altercation, which occurred at around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 4500 block of Granville Avenue. The Saanich Police Department told the IIO that its officers responded after multiple 911 callers reported that a man was acting erratically in the area, the agency said in a statement Friday. 'Police located the man and attempted to arrest him,' the statement said. 'A police service dog was also used during the interaction and the man suffered injuries.' The man was taken into police custody and then transported to hospital for treatment. The IIO says it is now working to determine whether the man's injuries meet the definition of 'serious harm,' and, if so, whether there is a connection between the injuries and actions or inactions of police. 'Serious harm' is defined in the provincial Police Act as an injury that may result in death, disfigurement or loss of function of a limb or organ. If those conditions are met, the agency's chief civilian director will decide whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offence occurred. If reasonable grounds are found, the director will forward a recommendation for criminal charges to the provincial prosecution service. The IIO investigates all police-related incidents that result in serious harm or death in B.C., whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing by police. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the arrest or who has video evidence related to the incident to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477 or online through the website.
CTV News
17-06-2025
- CTV News
Bear sighting prompts public alert in Saanich, B.C.
The Saanich Police Department is warning the public about reports of a black bear that's been spotted rummaging through garbage cans. The department says the bear was spotted on Queenswood Drive near Arbutus Road, which is between the University of Victoria and Saanich waterfront. 'We ask those who are outside in the area to be alert and cautious,' SPD spokesperson Jason Hallman said in a news release Tuesday. 'If you encounter the animal, remain calm, back away slowly, and contact B.C. Conservation Service… or local police as needed.' Residents are also being reminded to ensure they've secured their garbage bins, so they don't attract bears. According to the province, people can help eliminate conflict with wildlife by securing compost, removing fruit from trees as it ripens, and not leaving pet food outside. B.C. Conservation officers can be reached at 1-877-952-7277.
CBC
10-06-2025
- CBC
L.A. man who allegedly preyed on Saanich, B.C., girl sentenced to 40 years for child luring and pornography
Social Sharing A child luring investigation started by the Saanich Police Department in 2020 has led to a Los Angeles man being sentenced to 40 years in United States federal prison. In April of 2020, parents of a 12-year-old Saanich girl went to police after finding sexually explicit messages from an unknown individual on their daughter's phone and computer. Investigators determined the sender was somewhere in the U.S. and eventually the case was transferred to law enforcement officials with Homeland Security. In July 2022, Mark David Wallin, 44, was arrested after investigators determined he had preyed on dozens of boys and girls between the ages of nine and 16, both in the U.S. and internationally. Saanich police said Wallin groomed his victims to provide him with explicit photos and videos. Last September, Wallin pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and the enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Saanich police say the U.S. charges do not include Wallin's alleged interactions with the Saanich girl. Los Angeles Homeland Security Investigations acting special agent John Pasciucco praised the Saanich Police Department in a statement saying collaboration helps "accomplish our mission of safeguarding kids and bringing those who prey on them to justice." Saanich Det. Const. John Gadsby said the case is a reminder to parents to "be aware of what social media platforms [your children] are on who they are interacting with."
CTV News
10-06-2025
- CTV News
U.S. man sentenced for child luring in case involving Saanich, B.C., girl
A Saanich Police vehicle is seen in Saanich, B.C., on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito SAANICH — An American man has been sentenced to 40 years in a U.S. prison for grooming children in a case that began when the parents of a 12-year-old girl from Saanich, B.C., went to police. The Saanich Police Department says in a news release the girl's parents told officers in April 2020, that they had discovered sexually explicit messages on their daughter's phone from an unknown person. It says officers immediately began a child-luring investigation and determined the suspect to be an American. Police say they worked with U.S. law enforcement officers, who eventually took over the case and arrested Mark Wallen in July 2022. They say investigators determined the Los Angeles man had been preying on girls and boys ranging in age from nine to 16 years old, grooming them to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Police say Wallen pleaded guilty to the production of child pornography and the enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity last September. He was sentenced on May 16 to four decades in prison, and has a restitution hearing scheduled for Aug. 13. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Impaired ‘N' driver caught speeding 174 km/h on Vancouver Island highway: police
A Saanich Police motorcycle is seen in this image handed out by the department. Saanich Police say they caught a new driver speeding excessively on Pat Bay Highway in the early hours of Thursday morning. Just before 3 a.m., a patrol officer's laser readings showed the vehicle was travelling 174 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, in the 4000 block of the highway. Police say the driver didn't stop and continued to speed south before turning off at Vernon Avenue. 'Our officer did not pursue the vehicle but did circulate through the Carey Road area and located the vehicle parked on a dead-end side street,' a Friday news release from the Saanich Police Department reads. 'The driver was ordered out of the vehicle and taken into custody.' The driver was also impaired and failed a breath test, police allege. He was handed a 90-day driving prohibition and had his vehicle impounded for 30 days, according to police. The driver also received tickets for failing to display an 'N' decal and for excessive speeding. He was later released from custody and the department says it will recommend criminal charges of flight from police and impaired driving.
