Weekend youth disturbances kept police busy

West Shore

2023-03-07 09:54 PST

File # 2023-4214

West Shore RCMP officers were kept busy this weekend with an increased number of calls for service regarding at-risk youth. From March 3-5, West Shore RCMP responded to 8 separate reports involving youth causing public disturbances.

Below is a brief summary of the complaints involving youth disturbances:

March 3 - officers responded to a report of a physical fight involving approximately 15 youths near the 800 Block of Langford Parkway in Langford. Multiple police officers responded, many of the youths fled upon police arrival. One youth was found by police to be on court ordered conditions to not be at the location, this incident is still under investigation and charges are being considered.

March 3 - Officers responded to a complaint of an estimated 100 youths congregating near the area of Thetis Lake, View Royal and consuming alcohol. The youths fled upon police arrival

March 3 - Officers were called to assist Emergency Health Services with an unconscious young male surrounded by belligerent intoxicated youths at a bus stop near the 400 block of Island Highway in View Royal. Police attended and found the group had dispersed prior to their arrival, however the unconscious male was left behind. The male was severely intoxicated and taken to hospital via ambulance. It was determined that these youths were part of the larger group seen near Thetis Lake earlier in the evening (as mentioned above).

March 4 - Officers were called to a parking lot on Merchant Way in Langford for a report of 10-14 teenagers yelling, smoking marijuana, and causing a disturbance. Police attended and found that the youths had already moved on in the direction of the mall. Patrols were made in the area but officers were unable to locate the suspects.

March 4 – Officers were called to the intersection of Jacklin Rd and Goldstream Ave, Langford for a report of 4 youths in an altercation. Officers learned that one of the youths had threatened to stab another. Officers located and arrested the suspect. The youth has been charged with Uttering Threats, Assault with a Weapon, and Fail to comply with an Undertaking. The youth was held in custody for the night and is set to appear in court in March. The investigation is still ongoing.

March 4 – Officers were called to a fight in progress in front a business on the 3100 block of Jacklin Rd, Langford. An young male had assaulted another youth with no provocation and was found to be highly intoxicated. The suspect was held overnight and released when sober. The victim did not wish to pursue charges.

March 5 – Officers were called about intoxicated group of youths throwing garbage around at a restaurant near the 800 Block of Langford Parkway, Langford. Police attended but the youths had left the area prior to police arrival.

March 5 – Officers were on patrol near the area of Langford City Centre when they came upon a group of youths congregating at restaurant and loitering inside. Officers learned that they were not welcome at the restaurant. One of the youths was found to have a can of pepper spray on their person, which was seized by police. The youths were removed from the restaurant and banned by management from coming back.

In recent years the West Shore RCMP has experienced an influx in calls for service regarding youth violent disturbances. We currently have one police officer dedicated to youth engagement who works in partnership with the Pacific Centre Family Services providing resources and intervention to at-risk youth.

Many of the youth we encounter in these calls for service have additional challenges in their lives and may be experiencing mental health crisis or substance abuse issues. Policing is only one part of the response, parental and community engagement is key when it comes to addressing the underlying issues facing our youth, said Superintendent Todd Preston, Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP.

Released by

Cst. Andrew Matheson

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp.ca (English only)

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