A 26 year old male has been arrested and is suspected to have committed two robberies that occurred in the Saanich area on September 22, 2014.
Surveillance photos were obtained of the suspect male at the location of both robberies at financial institutions. The first robbery took place at the CIBC bank located in the 2900 block of Tillicum Road. The second robbery occurred within an hour of the first robbery and took place at the TD Canada Trust in the 3600 block of Shelbourne Street.
As is standard practice, the surveillance photos were shared with other law enforcement agencies in the Greater Victoria area to attempt to identify any persons of interest.
Officers from VICPD were able to provide investigators with information about the possible identity of the person suspected of these crimes. Investigators were able to use that information to form further grounds for arrest.
“This is an example of excellent police work and collaboration between law enforcement agencies” Sgt. Steve Eassie said. “The information from members of VICPD, relating to the possible identity of our suspect, was instrumental in this case. The officers were able to take their knowledge of whom they had prior contacts with while patrolling the streets of downtown Victoria, view the photos from the events, and provide information of a possible suspect.”
Scott Owen SMITH was arrested by members of the Saanich Police Department Street Crime Unit, and members of the VICPD Focused Enforcement Team, mid-morning on Wednesday, October 1st. SMITH was held in custody to appear in court.
SMITH appeared in court facing the approved charges of two counts of Robbery, and one count of Uttering Threats. SMITH was remanded in custody and will be making a further appearance in the early part of next week.
File 2014-18938 / 2014-18944
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158