A 28 year old male is in custody , suspected of being the person responsible for an early morning armed robbery that occurred yesterday morning, August 22, at the Petro-Can gas station at Sayward and the Pat Bay Highway in Saanich.
Saanich Police Major Crimes Detectives worked on the case yesterday, hoping to identify the suspect. Good old fashioned police work led to the arrest.
Several members from the Victoria Police Department heard the detailed description of the suspect. After viewing the video surveillance photo obtained from the scene, the suspect was positively identified as a male known to police in the Greater Victoria area. VICPD quickly notified Saanich Police of the information.
Saanich Police Forensic Identification Section officers were also successful in identifying the same male as a result of forensic evidence recovered at the scene.
Knowing the identity of the male, as well as having been shown the surveillance photo, officers hit the streets last night, watching for the suspect.
Shortly before 2 a.m., an alert Saanich Police officer observed a male walking in the parking lot near the Tim Hortons at Saanich Plaza mall, near Ravine Way and Blanshard Street. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The 28 year old suspect is expected to make his first court appearance this afternoon. The recommended charge being sought is Armed Robbery Using a Firearm (Sec. 344(1)(A.1) CCC).
File 2013-16949
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158