Campbell River RCMP have arrested 27-year-old William Reedel in Campbell River in relation to a violent home invasion on Monday evening in Saanich.
Saanich major crimes investigators were able to identify the alleged suspect through items left behind at the scene of the attack in the 3500-block of James Heights, on the west side of the Cedar Hill golf course, said Sgt. Steve Eassie.
RCMP arrested the Reedel Wednesday afternoon. He remains in custody and has a court appearance in Victoria on today. He has a criminal history from Abbotsford, Campbell River, Smithers and Chilliwack, including convictions for violent offences.
The suspect has lived in the Campbell River area, said Sgt. Steve Eassie, but has no fixed address. Major crime detectives are still investigating the home invasion and if the suspect was involved in any other crimes in Greater Victoria.
On Monday at about 10:20 p.m., police say a man forced his way through the front door of the home, and started punching and beating an 85-year-old man and his 59-year-old daughter. The woman managed to escape to a neighbour’s house to call for help.
The 85-year-old man was hospitalized in the wake of the attack, and his condition has improved over the week, Eassie said.
“It was obviously a very traumatic event. Both victims were struck numerous times in the head … it was a very violent attack,” he said. “It is a very unusual case. It appears completely random which heightened our concern to mitigate danger to the public.
“It sounds like something you’d see in a movie. We’re thankful their injuries weren’t more severe.”
Eassie said Saanich is thankful to the Campbell River RCMP in assisting with the investigation.
The attacker stole a 1999 brown Toyota Camry from the home, with B.C. licence plate HWM 644. Police are still seeking this vehicle.
Reedel faces seven charges, including assault, assault causing bodily harm, robbery and unlawful confinement, disguising his face. He is due for a bail hearing in court 2 p.m. today (Friday).
Police are asking anyone with information on this attack, or if you locate the vehicle, to call investigators at 250-475-4356 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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