The Crown is appealing the bail release of a man who police say nearly ran down a Saanich officer in a Hummer while fleeing, saying he poses a danger to the public.

The man was released from custody on $10,000 bail Feb. 5.

Sgt. Grant Hamilton, spokesman for Victoria police, said the 28-year-old man is linked to two firearms investigations within the last few weeks, and was allegedly the driver of a grey Hummer that nearly ran down the Saanich officer.

“We’re concerned,” Hamilton said. “This is a violent individual with a history of violent crimes.”

The application to appeal goes to B.C. Supreme Court.

Police say the man, whom they describe as a “mid- to high-level drug trafficker,” shares a residence with a 20-year-old woman who was charged in connection with the seizure of a loaded Colt .45 semi-automatic handgun, cocaine and $10,000 cash that was discovered by cleaning staff at a Best Western Hotel on Quebec Street on Jan. 8. Safiya Foda, 20, of Esquimalt, faces charges of firearm possession and drug-trafficking.

A 17-year-old Saanich high school student was also arrested in connection with that incident, but no charges were filed.

On Feb. 2, three Saanich police officers pulled over a grey Hummer in the parking lot at Tillicum Mall.

During the stop, they observed a white powder that they suspected to be cocaine or heroin, but before an arrest could be made, the driver sped away with the driver-side door open, striking one officer’s hand and another officer’s arm, and nearly striking an officer standing near the front of the vehicle.

The Hummer was found abandoned near the intersection of Craigflower and Admirals roads.

Hamilton said that a vehicle search by officers with a sniffer dog uncovered a substance believed to be heroin.

The next day, Victoria police, with the assistance of a special weapons and tactical team, searched the 28-year-old man’s residence in the 700-block of Humboldt Street, uncovering a semi-automatic Smith and Wesson handgun along with ammunition, a bulletproof vest, drugs, drug-trafficking equipment and $7,000 cash.

In the Feb. 3 search, police also seized a black 2004 BMW sedan.

At the press conference yesterday, they displayed both the sedan and the grey Hummer. Investigators are still determining ownership of the vehicles, but they do not believe either is stolen.

Police allege Bryden Bingley has violated five firearm and ammunition prohibitions. Bingley and Foda are scheduled to appear in court on March 5.

In connection with the Saanich police incident, Bingley will face charges of assaulting a peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer, and possession of a controlled substance.

In addition to appealing Bingley’s bail release, the Crown is also considering appealing Foda’s bail.

jhatherly@tc.canwest.com