Victoria Police are recommending numerous assault, mischief and breach of probation charges against a man arrested in connection with violent attacks on pedestrians in the downtown core Wednesday night.
A man was reported striking people over the head and in face with a field hockey stick. The rampage started at Pandora and Store Street and continued through to Bastion Square on Government Street.
Cnst. Matt Rutherford says at least 5 people are known to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but those numbers are expected to climb as investigators appeal for other potential victims to call them.
Meantime Rutherford says an attack 9 hours earlier on a man at Cormorant and Blanshard is believed to have been committed by the same man:
"There was an incident in the 1500 block of Blanshard Street. A man was assaulted by an unknown man. It's been determined that it's not related to the incident last night, but it is believed to be the same man that conducted that assault."
Rutherford says no public warning was issued as it was believed to be an isolated incident.
Following the attacks last night police arrested a man at Douglas and Humbolt. Charges being recommended are:
Investigators ask witnesses to the incidents, or those who suffered damage to property, to call them or crime stoppers.