On Friday, November 14, at approximately 7:00 pm, Saanich Police received a report of a possible home invasion robbery in progress at a residence in the 3500 block of Quadra Street.
Upon arrival at the home, two victims of an apparent assault were located. Investigation determined that at least four individuals forced their way into the victims home through the front door. At least one of the suspects was armed with a baseball bat. One of the victims, a 46 year old female, suffered injuries to her head and was transported to hospital for treatment. She was later released. The second victim, a 48 year old male, suffered some bruising from the event.
Investigation identified two of the four suspects as people known to the victims. Information was obtained that determined the likely location of these two suspects to be hotel on Craigflower Road. Members of VICPD were advised of the circumstances of the events and the possible location of the suspects. VICPD observed a male matching the description of one of the suspects and moved in to identify the male, confirming that the person observed was in fact one of the two suspects. A second suspect was located within a hotel room, along with what has now been confirmed to be a quantity of stolen property.
Although it is still relatively early in the investigation, it would appear that there may be sufficient evidence to support charges including break and enter, being unlawfully in a dwelling house, assault with a weapon, possession of stolen property, numerous counts of fraud related to identity theft, and theft over $5000.
Both accused were held in custody and appeared before a Justice of the Peace by way of a telebail process. They are next scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, November 18.
The accused have been identified as 30 year old Caroline Elizabeth SMITH of Victoria and 32 year old Matthew James PRESTON of Victoria.
There are two males suspects that remain unidentified. The only description of the two males was that one was Caucasian, and the other appeared to be Aboriginal.
Anyone who may have information about this incident are asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
File 2014-22650
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158