A Victoria police officer was reportedly punched several times after attempts to de-escalate a man in crisis Wednesday morning failed.
Shortly after 10 a.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 20), officers were called to a motel in the 100-block of Gorge Road East after a man called 911 threatening to kill people and saying there was a dead person on his balcony, according to VicPD. Officers found the man outside the building upon arrival and determined he was suffering from a mental health crisis.
READ MORE: Information sought around series of James Bay arson incidents
VicPD said officers attempted to use de-escalation techniques, but when an officer tried to apprehend the man for a mental health assessment the man repeatedly punched the officers. The officers used a taser on him, but police say the man continued to struggle.
The man was apprehended after additional police units attended. He was taken to the hospital for a mental health assessment, and VicPD is recommending charges of assaulting a police officer.
READ MORE: Man with cattle prod, meth and night vision goggles arrested after Victoria storage locker break-in
The injured officer was also taken to hospital and treated for a concussion. He has since been released from care.
Anyone with information can contact VicPD at 250-995-7654, ext. 1, or report anonymously to Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.