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Handgun seized from former Comfort Inn, man arrested

Victoria police seized a handgun Tuesday night while executing a search warrant at the former Comfort Inn on Blanshard Street, leading to an arrest Wednesday afternoon.

Victoria police seized a handgun Tuesday night while executing a search warrant at the former Comfort Inn on Blanshard Street, leading to an arrest Wednesday afternoon.

Victoria officers and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team began the search in a suite about 7 p.m. and found a .32-calibre revolver. The occupant, who was not there, was wanted on outstanding warrants that included possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of break-and-enter instruments, possession of identity documents and drug-related offences.

Police located the man Wednesday near the former Comfort Inn, but he tried to flee on a bicycle. Officers chased him down on foot and arrested him after a brief struggle.

He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at hospital.

The hotel was purchased by the provincial government a year ago for $18.5 million to house people without homes, many of whom were displaced from shelters by the pandemic.