Woman attacked after home delivery; FedEx driver tails suspect

A FedEx driver pursued an assault suspect and called 911 Monday morning after a man brushed by him and entered an Adelaide Avenue home, then struck a woman several times with a potted plant.

Saanich police responded quickly and were able to make an arrest.

The woman who was struck was hospitalized with non-lifethreatening injuries.

Acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie said the incident happened in a safe residential neighbourhood. “It’s usually fairly quiet.” He said it was fortunate that the FedEx driver was alert and responded the way he did by following the suspect on foot as the man headed down Adelaide toward the Gorge Waterway.

“He was definitely on the ball,” Leslie said. “He stepped right up and was a great witness. He did everything right.

“He immediately called 911, he was able to give us an excellent description.”

Leslie said the driver also maintained a safe distance while keeping the suspect in sight.

Police said the incident started when the FedEx driver delivered a package to the residence just before 9 a.m. A 40-year-old woman and her infant child were home.

Since money was owing for delivery of the package, the woman went inside after answering the door to phone her husband and confirm he knew about the payment. As the driver waited, a man suddenly ran past him into the house.

“He just sort of shoves past the FedEx driver and stands in the front foyer,” Leslie said. “She comes around the corner and there’s this stranger standing there.”

The intruder ran through the house looking for the package, and when the woman followed, she was attacked with the potted plant. She was also able to make a 911 call. The child was not injured. Leslie said he did not know any details about the package or if the man ever got his hands on it.

Nothing linking anyone involved has been found, he said.

A 33-year-old Victoria man who is known to police is being held in custody. Charges of assault with a weapon — the plant pot — and being unlawfully in a dwelling house are being recommended.