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Oak Bay police chief in hospital after being hit by deer

Chief hit during cycling trip on Salt Spring Island, suffers broken clavicle, ribs
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Oak Bay Police Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties (left) and Chief Constable Andy Brinton are among the officers that take to the bikes with Oak Bay Police Department in a community-policing initiative. (Morgan Cross photo)

Oak Bay Police Chief Andy Brinton is recovering in hospital after being hit by a deer Sunday (Oct. 1) morning.

Brinton was hit by a deer around 10:30 a.m. while off duty riding his bicycle on Salt Spring Island.

“I’ve spoken to Chief Brinton,” said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties. “He’s recovering in hospital and expected to make a full recovery.”

The deer ran out from a forested area along a paved road.

“He informed me that he was cycling at a moderate rate of speed when a deer suddenly charged out of the bushes and struck him,” Bernoties said. “I’m told it’s rutting season but I don’t know what, if any, effect that had on this deer’s behaviour.”

The impact was significant, knocking him from his bike and resulting in a broken clavicle and several broken ribs. He underwent surgery at a Victoria Hospital last night (Oct 2). He is expected to make a full recovery.


 

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cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com

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Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

Longtime journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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