Police resources continue to pour into the case of a woman attacked by a stranger in her own home Tuesday morning.
On April 25 around 7 a.m. police responded to a 9-1-1 call, which police believe came from the woman found in the home on Esplanade, indicating she was attacked with a machete. The woman suffered injuries from an “edged weapon” police say “may have been a machete.”
Police interviewed the woman Wednesday evening and she confirmed, she heard noises and discovered an unknonw man in her kitchen.
“The woman confronted the unknown male and an altercation took place resulting in the woman being struck several times with an edged weapon, which may have been a machete,” police said in a news release April 27.
Police say members from both Oak Bay and Saanich police departments are working to find the suspect described as a white man in his 20s wearing a brown jacket, khaki pants and a blue and white bandana.
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Lock your doors and remain vigilant, say police as the manhunt continues after a woman was slashed in her home Tuesday morning in Oak Bay.
On April 25 around 7 a.m. police responded to a 9-1-1 call, which police believe came from the woman found in the home on Esplanade, indicating she was attacked with a machete. The woman suffered injuries from an “edged weapon” and her injuries are so significant detectives from Saanich’s Major Crime Unit have been unable to interview her.
“The victim, a 45 year old woman, remains in hospital recovering from her injuries,” police said in a news release. “Detective from the Major Crime Unit have been unable to interview her due to her medical condition.”
“Events like this are extremely uncommon however we would like to remind people they should remain vigilant,” police said today. “Residents should ensure they lock their doors and report any suspicious activities in the area to the Oak Bay Police at 250-592-2424 or if it’s an emergency call 9-1-1.”
Despite the warnings, residents remain calm.
The $2.6 million house along Esplanade Avenue where the woman was assaulted remained surrounded by bright yellow police tape Tuesday and appeared vacant with a lone patrol car stationed on the avenue.
Willows Beach remained as busy as ever and neighbours appeared unaffected by the incident. In a neighbourhood where most people know each other, local residents said they knew nothing about the people living in the home.
Although no one wanted to be named, everyone asked said they were “not scared” or afraid. They felt this was an isolated incident but speculated on the reason behind the attack.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4356 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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The house along Esplanade Avenue where a woman was assaulted with a sharp edged blade on Tuesday, April 25 is still surrounded by bright yellow police tape. The $2.6 million house appears vacant and a lone patrol car is stationed on the avenue with an officer is present.
Willows Beach is as busy as ever and the neighbours from the surrounding area who walk their dogs along the beach are unaffected by the incident. In a neighbourhood where most people know each other, the local residents said they knew nothing about the people who lived in the house. It was also stated that the home had been sold a number of times.
Although no one wanted to be named, everyone who was asked said they were “nor scared” or afraid. They felt this was an isolated incident but speculated on the reason behind the attack.
“The police response was quick and co-ordinated,” said Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen. “Our thoughts are with the victim and her family hoping for a speedy recovery.”
Police have yet to provide updates today as officers from three Greater Victoria detachments continue to hunt for a heavily-built man in his 20s after a woman was attacked in her Oak Bay home with an ‘edged’ weapon.
“Police arrived within minutes and entered the house where we met with a 45-year-old female who had suffered significant injuries to her upper body,” Sgt. Rob Smith, Oak Bay police said Tuesday afternoon. “A man unknown to the resident entered her home. At some point he was confronted by the resident and a struggle ensued.”
Oak Bay police recommend residents “be aware” and maintain “vigilance” to surroundings after a violent attack in a home on Esplanade this morning.
At 7 a.m. April 25 a 9-1-1 call, which police believe came from the woman in the home on Esplanade, indicated she was attacked with a machete.
Oak Bay police and fire departments as well as BC Ambulance Service responded and provided first aid.The woman suffered injuries from an “edged weapon” and was in surgery this afternoon, said Smith.
OBPD press conference
“We have no indication that the community is in danger at all but the man is still out there and he did show violent tendencies this morning,” Smith said. “We have no idea if this was targeted or completely random.”
The suspect is described as a man in his 20s with a heavy build, brown jacket, dark pants and a baseball cap wearing a light blue and white handkerchief around his neck.
Willows Beach is heavily used area in the mornings and police hope someone there may have information to share.
“We’re hoping somebody saw something out of the ordinary this morning,” Smith said.
Crimestoppers tweet
Under a service agreement, Saanich Police Major Crimes now take over the investigation. They can be reached at 250-475-4321.
Elementary schools in the area were put in a hold and secure pattern as a precaution.
more to come…
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
