A local man known to police to be violent and who had outstanding warrants issued for his arrest for failing to attend court yesterday in Victoria, was arrested by the Saanich Police late last night.
Just before 11:00 p.m. Saanich Police were called to the 3500 blk of Shelbourne Street to investigate a report of a vehicle that was parked in the area. The vehicle was believed to have been stolen from the Esquimalt area just an hour earlier.
While containing the scene, a Saanich Police officer located a group of males walking nearby. During conversation, additional Saanich and Victoria officers attended and recognized one of the men as Matthew Neely, whom they were aware had outstanding warrants.
Neely then ran from police but was quickly caught and taken into custody. He was later transported to the Victoria Police Department to be held for morning court. The stolen vehicle was recovered and charges are being considered.
This arrest highlights a timely investigation and collaboration by both the Saanich and Victoria Police to apprehend an offender that has fled from police previously and posed a significant risk to the public.
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information and Communication Officer