Police are looking to identify five suspects from a group that assaulted a youth on a transit bus last week.
On Thursday, August 18, 2022, just after 12:30 a.m., a group of seven youths were on a BC Transit bus heading southbound on Shelbourne Street near Cedar Hill Cross Road. Two youths from the group walked to the back of the bus and attacked a youth sitting with some friends. Other youths from the group filmed the assault, the video of which was later shared on a social media platform. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators were able to identify and arrest the two youths who committed the assault and are recommending charges of assault causing bodily harm. Although the victim and the two facing charges were not known to each another, police believe the incident stemmed from an interaction at a bus stop about an hour and a half prior.
“This is a disturbing incident, one that was unprovoked and it is clear that the group had planned and coordinated the assault on the bus,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
Officers are looking to identify the remaining five youths who were on the bus that evening.
Anyone with information about the youths or the incident is asked to contact the Saanich Police at 250-475-4321. You can also report what you know anonymously through the Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477.
File 22-15810
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information & Communications Officer
media@saanichpolice.ca