A Victoria police officer is recuperating with potentially life-altering injuries after being attacked by a man late Thursday night in Banfield Park in Vic West.
The officer, who has not been identified by Victoria police, is at home with his family after the violent assault, which triggered a manhunt for a 40-to-50-year-old white male.
Police Chief Del Manak told the Times Colonist Friday the level of violence in the incident has taken an emotional toll on the department.
“There are emotional repercussions to having one of our officers injured in this way — it was such a violent action,” he said. “I can say our officers face more aggression, non-compliance, threats and negative comments than they have ever faced before. This is the reality while they are carrying out their duties.”
Manak said the officer who was attacked is relatively new to the force, with just 2½ years of experience on the job.
He offered few details about the assault, as it remains under investigation, but he said the officer was trying to help a distraught woman when he was attacked.
He said it wasn’t clear if the attack was random or targeted at a police officer, if it was prolonged or if it was a single, heavy blow to the head.
“I’m trying to keep an open mind and let the investigation be guided by facts and evidence.”
The officer was taken to hospital to be treated and is now recuperating at home.
He was on patrol in the park between Craigflower Road and the Gorge Waterway when he was attacked around 11:30 p.m. He had been speaking with a woman who appeared distraught just before he was attacked.
Investigators don’t know if the attacker and the woman knew each other.
The injured officer’s radio call for help set off a massive search that involved several police departments, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt and other emergency responders. The suspect is described as a white male, between 40 and 50 years old, and wearing a blue hoodie.
The officer has been able to help investigators with their inquiries and police have started canvassing the area for security video, dash-cam video and any witnesses that may have seen anything suspicious in the area late Thursday night.
Police are also asking for help to identify the woman they believe the officer spoke with before the attack. She’s described as white, about 50 years old, with grey hair.
Manak said the department uses a hybrid model for patrol cars, with some being deployed with two officers and some with one. A number of factors are taken into consideration when deciding how a patrol vehicle is deployed, he said, including officer preference, experience and the type of patrols being done.
Manak said the goal is to maximize coverage — single-officer patrols mean more cars on the streets.
The police chief said it’s troubling to see that level of violence directed at one of his officers.
He said police officers understand their jobs put them in the line of fire, but they are usually able to de-escalate situations or create space and distance with aggressive people.
“Unfortunately, in this incident, that wasn’t possible,” he said.
Police are considering the possibility the attack may be related to a nearby incident in Saanich at about 2:50 a.m. Friday.
An incident involving an injured male shut down the Trans-Canada Highway from Carey Road to Tillicum Road for several hours.
Manak said there is currently no indication the two are linked, but they are keeping an open mind.
— with a file from Cindy E. Harnett
