The machete attack against a woman in her Oak Bay home was random and not targeted, Oak Bay police said Tuesday. The attacker is still on the loose, and investigators believe there is someone who knows something but has not come forward.
“There is nothing to suggest she was the target of this attack,” said Oak Bay police Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties after receiving an update from the lead detective. This is the first time police have said the assault, which took place two months ago, was random.
Saanich police’s major crime section is handling the case, since Oak Bay contracts major investigations to the larger department.
“At this time, investigators are confident there are people in our community that have information about this horrific attack,” Bernoties said. “We’re asking for those people to come forward and talk with the investigators.”
On April 25 about 7:30 a.m., a 45-year-old woman heard noises in her kitchen and went down to investigate. She confronted the stranger in her home and he attacked her with what was described as a machete. She was able to call 911 despite serious injuries that required surgery.
The man fled, sparking a manhunt across the region.
It’s unclear if the man left on foot or in a vehicle or whether he stole anything. Police searched for the weapon, but have not said if one was found.
Random and violent home invasions are rare in Oak Bay and across the region.
In August 2014, a homeowner was attacked by an intruder with a crowbar when he interrupted a break-in at his home on St. Patrick Street. The intruder was arrested in downtown Victoria the next day.
Bernoties said he understands the public’s desire for more details but cannot release any information that would adversely affect the investigation.
“Police would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while investigators continue to work on solving this crime,” he said.
Anyone with information on the attack is asked to call police at 250-475-4356 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
