Tuesday October 1, 2019 ~ COLWOOD
~ West Shore Voice News
West Shore RCMP responded to a report of a male victim being attacked by a man wielding a baton. The attack on Monday September 30 at 1:12 pm took place on Creekview Lane near Latoria Road in Colwood.
Investigators believe the attack stemmed from a road rage incident between strangers. The 54-year-old victim was driving south on Veterans Memorial Parkway and was being followed closely by the 67-year-old suspect. After a brief encounter while driving, the pair pulled over on Creekview Lane. “The suspect had a baton and began swinging it at the victim striking him several times. A physical fight between the two broke out resulting injuries to both parties” says Cst Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP media relations officer.
The suspect was arrested for assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public. The investigation is on-going and charges relating to the driving offences are also being considered.
A bystander called the police immediately and began shouting at the suspect to stop the fight. Officers were in the area and on scene within a minute of being dispatched. The responding officer, Cst. Forslund, advised that the bystander’s quick actions and shouting at the suspect definitely played a role in stopping the fight. We want to thank the brave bystander who even went a step further and offered the victim shelter in their own vehicle, said Cst Saggar.
The police want to remind the public that if they are involved in a road rage incident stay inside your vehicle and do not engage with the other individual. The best thing to do is find a safe public place to pull over and call the police. If you cannot pull over, drive to the nearest police station and seek help that way.
“We take these investigations seriously. In April 2019, the West Shore RCMP investigated another incident of road rage where the suspect wielded a machete after a parking dispute at Costco. This investigation led to the suspect, 29 year old Neila Klein, being arrested and convicted of assault,” said Cst. SAGGAR.