Monday May 15, 2023 | COLWOOD, BC [Updated 4 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
On board a BC Transit bus there were two youths making threats to passengers. [RCMP File # 2023-8894]
That happened on Wednesday May 10 around 8:15 p.m.
West Shore RCMP responded to the disturbance report of a disturbance as it was happening on board a BC Transit bus (Route 95) located at the bus loop on Ocean Blvd and Island Highway (Highway 14) in Colwood.
The bus stop where this occurred (across the street from the rec centre) serves several bus routes, which can been seen on the Victoria Schedules map.
No one injured:
“Police learned two male youth suspects on board the bus were causing a disturbance and making threats to passengers,” says Cpl Nancy Saggar, Media Relations Officer, West Shore RCMP. “When confronted by another passenger, one of the youths brandished a baton threatening passengers with it,” she said.
Passengers on the bus did not report any physical injuries.
Charges laid:
The suspect youth were located and arrested by police for several offences including possession of weapons for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats and breach of undertaking, as they were both bound by conditions to not possess weapons and to not have contact with each other stemming from prior investigations.
They were brought before court on Thursday May 11 and charged with:
- Youth 1: 1 count of Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, 2 counts of Breach of Undertaking.
- Youth 2: 1 count of Breach of Undertaking
The youths have since been released by the courts, it was stated by police on Friday May 12.
Comment from BC Transit:
“BC Transit is aware of weapon threat onboard a Route 95 bus on May 12 at the Island Highway near Ocean Boulevard. Our thoughts are with the victims of this incident, and we thank our Transit Supervisor for their quick response.
“Our organization is supporting the West Shore RCMP, but as this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.
“Though incidents of this nature are uncommon on BC Transit buses and at bus stops, we take reports of inappropriate and illegal behavior within our systems very seriously and work closely with police to follow the legal process for complaints. BC Transit’s top priority is safety, and we work hard to improve safety on board our buses for customers and drivers. Our safety systems include:
- Closed circuit television cameras on a majority of buses
- Operator emergency notification protocols and enhanced radio communication to support managing on road incidents
- Partnerships with first responders including police, fire and ambulance to support quicker responses to transit related incidents
“If someone is the victim of an inappropriate or illegal activity, or sees something that is inappropriate or illegal on the bus, please tell the driver immediately or call the police.”
