Esquimalt residents say they are fearful after a convicted sex offender and kidnapper who allegedly tried to break into a female neighbour’s house was released from custody.
Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Victoria police patrol officers, with help from residents, arrested a man who reportedly tried to enter a woman’s home through her open window.
The woman screamed and reportedly slammed the window shut, said police spokesman Const. Cam MacIntyre. Her screams alerted neighbours who chased the man. At an area near Fleming Beach, by Macaulay Point, officers found people holding the suspect down.
The suspect has previous convictions for kidnapping and sexual assault, police said.
A 63-year-old Victoria man was arrested and held overnight in custody. Police recommended charges including trespassing at night, breaking-and-entering, and assault.
After a court hearing, the man was released on conditions including a curfew that he cannot leave his home from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day unless he has written permission from his bail supervisor, that he have no contact with the victim, that he report to his bail supervisor, that he not possess a weapon. He is due back in court in early September.
Esquimalt resident Dan Brazier, who lives a stone’s throw from the suspect’s home, said families in the neighbourhood, many of whom are women working from home, are fearful and not sleeping at night.
The alleged crime is “so brazen — to attempt a crime against someone who is going to recognize you — it shows this individual is right off the rails,” said Brazier.
Police have not disclosed the suspect’s name.
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins was a guest at a residents meeting on Thursday night. “I attended the community meeting and heard residents’ concerns,” she said. “Victoria police were very helpful in responding to residents.”
Desjardins declined to say more as the case remains under investigation.
Another resident, Jodie Bittner, said her concern is that the suspect has been released back into a community full of families with children, and vulnerable elderly people.
“Now we have to worry every night about if these people are safe or not,” Bittner wrote in a text message.”I don’t think the justice system is doing a good enough job protecting us.”
Brazier said he can’t comprehend how a judge can let the man out. “The general feeling I get from everyone around here is utter disbelief,” said Brazier.
Bowen Osoko, spokesman for Victoria police, said officers listened to residents “understandable concerns.”
Police answered questions as best they were able, while remaining mindful of the ongoing investigation and the matter being before the courts, Osoko said.
“They’ll continue to check in with Esquimalt residents to ensure all is being done to help everyone stay safe.”
ceharnett@timescolonist.com
