On Sunday, March 1st, at approximately 12:30pm police were called to Exeter Road following the 9-1-1 report of an armed man having threatened a 60-year-old woman as she pruned shrubs in her front yard. The man was last seen at the corner of Beach Drive and Exeter Road, walking away.
Members of the Oak Bay Police Department and, subsequently, the Saanich Police Department responded immediately and were on scene within minutes. Beach Drive between Lansdowne Road and Ripon Road was shut down to all traffic for about 20 minutes as police deployed a K-9 unit to search the area. The search for the male was negative.
Investigation has revealed that the male walked up Ripon Road from the direction of Beach Drive and passed the woman gardening. He stood on the sidewalk just beyond her holding a bright yellow cell phone. When the victim turned away, the male approached her, produced the weapon and made a threat. The victim and the male got in a struggle with the victim holding onto the weapon and yelling for help while hitting him repeatedly about the head with her garden implement. When the victim’s husband came from around the house, the male left back towards Beach Drive. The victim was not injured physically.
The male is described as being around 40 years old and 5’10”. He was wearing a blue hoody with the hood pulled up and large, dark sunglasses. He was clean shaven.
This attack appears to be completely unprovoked with no obvious motive. It occurred on a bright, sunny Sunday afternoon in a neighbourhood generally well known for its peace and tranquility.
The investigation is ongoing.
