In the heart of Saanich, an unsettling event unfolded in broad daylight, prompting extensive police investigations. The incident, which took place on a Monday, involved a pedestrian being accosted on the sidewalk.
The male victim was simply partaking in a routine afternoon jaunt, heading eastward on the 1400 block of McKenzie Avenue. Around the hour of 3:45 p.m., the tranquillity of his walk was disrupted when three unknown men cornered him. These men, shrouded in anonymity and comfortably perched on their bicycles, demanded cash from the unsuspecting pedestrian.
The situation escalated quickly, with the trio brandishing a weapon to lend weight to their demands. Shortly after this worrying encounter, the individuals were seen pedalling briskly westward towards Cedar Hill Road.
Police have described the first suspect as a man in his thirties, sporting a black vest atop blue pants, and distinguishing himself with a spiked red hat. His arms were adorned with sleeve tattoos. The second man bore a similar age, donned in a black t-shirt, blue trousers, and sporting a spiked red hat as well. As for the third suspect, the lack of a provided description makes him all the more elusive.
Saanich Police Const. Markus Anastasiades lamented on the audacity of such an act, which took place in a heavily crowded area. Stressing the victim’s fear during the encounter, Anastasiades painted a chilling depiction of the event, despite the victim escaping physical harm.
Authorities are now appealing to the general public for assistance. Investigators are particularly interested in anyone who was driving around the affected area between the times of 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. They express keen interest in any dash camera footage captured during that period.
Those with any information concerning the robbery, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are urged to reach out to the Saanich Police Department by dialling 250-475-4321. Your input could prove invaluable in unravelling this audacious broad daylight robbery.
