On Monday, April 21, 2025, just before 1am Saanich Police officers conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle with a broken taillight in the 3100 block of Irma St. During the stop, our officers observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and formed grounds to arrest the driver and passenger. Both were ordered to exit the vehicle.
The female driver complied and was taken into custody without incident. The male passenger refused to cooperate and began kicking at one of our officers, landing several blows. The combative nature of the passenger required multiple officers to remove him from the vehicle. Once outside the man continued to fight, landing several more kicks including one to the head of one of our officers.
Eventually the passenger was subdued without the need for officers to use elevated response options. He was arrested, transported back to Saanich Police cells, and held for a court appearance.
At this time, Zachary Mott has been charged with one count of assaulting a police officer. He has been released from custody and his next court appearance is on April 30,2025.
It is our understanding that upon release from custody, Mott was involved in a second incident where he assaulted a police officer of a neighbouring jurisdiction.
A search of the vehicle produced suspected crack cocaine, two scales, as well as other paraphernalia associated with the consumption and trafficking of illegal drugs.
Our officers involved in this incident were assessed for injuries and were determined fit to return to duty and completed their shifts.
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“The level of violence that our officers experienced during this routine traffic stop is alarming! Thankfully, neither sustained any significant physical injury because of this assault. I’m especially proud of the restraint both officers showed in not resorting to the use of elevated response options to subdue the individual, even though in this instance it would have been warranted” Acting Chief, Paul Douglas