Latest news with #VicPD
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Reported kidnapping was actually bachelor party prank, Victoria police say
The Victoria Police Department says it has released race-based use-of-force data for a six-year period after being ordered by the B.C. Human Rights Commissioner to share the statistics in November 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito A significant police response – including officers from the heavily armed emergency response team – was marshalled in response to reports of a potential kidnapping in Victoria last week. First responders fielded 'multiple' 911 calls about an alarming incident where 'a group of males had placed a bag over another man's head and were pulling him into a white van' near the courthouse on Thursday morning, according to the Victoria Police Department. 'Given the nature of the incident, its proximity to a high-security area, and corroborating eyewitness accounts, several VicPD investigative units, along with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team were deployed to respond swiftly and thoroughly,' a statement from the department said. Police located the van, identified those involved and determined that no crime had taken place. 'A few hours later officers identified several individuals associated with the vehicle and determined that the situation was, in fact, just a bachelor party prank,' VicPD's statement continued. Authorities are warning people about the dangers of public pranks like this one, noting that this one wasted police resources and caused undue alarm. 'The initial reports led us to believe a violent kidnapping was in progress, requiring an immediate and significant response to a situation that turned out to be false,' VicPD Staff Sgt. Shawn Robson said. 'We are urging everyone to please be cognizant of how any prank will be viewed to others in our community.'
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Police issue warning after cougar spotted near Victoria school
A cougar was spotted near a school in Victoria Thursday morning, prompting a warning from police. The sighting happened a little before 8 a.m. in the 800 block of Bank Street where the Glenlyon Norfolk School is located, according to the Victoria Police Department. 'The B.C. Conservation (Officer) Service has been advised and the school has taken steps to ensure the safety of students. Please be vigilant while outdoors in this area,' a social media post from VicPD said. Anyone who sees the cougar is advised to 'move away slowly' and call 911. Safety tips on cougar encounters from the province include advice to 'pick up children immediately' because 'children frighten easily and the noise and movements they make could provoke an attack.' When faced with a cougar, one should never run away, turn one's back or make any sudden movements. 'If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively, maintain eye contact with the cougar, show your teeth and make loud noise. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks as weapons,' the guidance from the province says. 'If a cougar attacks, fight back, convince the cougar you are a threat and not prey, use anything you can as a weapon. Focus your attack on the cougar's face and eyes.' Cougar sightings or conflicts should be reported to the BC COS by calling 1-877-952-7277.
