Two youths are in custody after a volunteer patrolling with a group near North Saanich Middle School about 1 a.m. Sunday was shot in the head by what police believe is a BB.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP do not think the shooting was targeted or that the public is in any danger.
The man was in his vehicle with the driver’s window slightly open when the projectile came in through the small gap, said Sidney/North Saanich RCMP Cpl. Erin Fraser. Members of the heard a “bang” and then the man felt a sharp pain in his head.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics for an abrasion and did not need to go to hospital, she said.
A pellet was later found in the vehicle’s back seat.
Sidney/North Saanich Cpl. Chris Manseau said it appears to be a “random, unfortunate” incident.
“We’re still taking it seriously because there was somebody who was injured.”
Manseau warned about the danger of shooting BBs and other projectiles in populated areas.
The injured man is part of the Citizens on Patrol program run by the detachment, Fraser said.
“We’ve got a contingent of community volunteers,” she said. “Most of them are retired residents of Sidney and North Saanich.”
“They go out for four-hour shifts once a week, usually on Saturday nights, just to be an extra set of eyes for us.”
Fraser said the volunteers don’t have police radios or uniforms.
“They just go around in their own car and call us if they see anything untoward.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Sidney/North Saanich RCMP or 250-656-3931 or Crime Stoppers at 1-900-222-TIPS (8477).
