Needle stuck in van’s tire perplexes neighbourhood
Needles aren’t an uncommon sight in the neighbourhood, says Fifth Street resident Brett Bedard, but a syringe sticking out of a van’s flat tire in front of his apartment was a first.
“Every month or so, you’d see half a dozen or so — wrappers or the actual rig,” he said Thursday, referring to a hypodermic syringe. “This is a first, though, a rig stuck out of a tire like that. To make a tire go flat with a syringe is unreal.”
Another passerby said he saw two other flats, also the result of needle punctures, near the corner of Bay Street.
Victoria police Const. Matt Rutherford said it was the first time he had heard of tires punctured by needles. He encouraged anyone who finds needles to phone the police non-emergency line at 250-995-7654.
Bedard, a former drug user, said seeing the needles reminded him of his own experience. It’s evident people are struggling, he said, adding that he is happy to hear Victoria is seeking supervised drug injection sites.
“Believe me, all these people out here have been hurt, abused, damaged in some way. I can pretty well guarantee it,” he said. “It’s no excuse, though, you have to look at it, deal with and move on and take responsibility.”
He said he would intervene if he saw anyone dropping needles or puncturing tires.
“I’ve got to protect myself, but I will help others if I can. If I saw someone doing something like this, I’d be right on it. I wouldn’t be rude to them, because I’ve been there. But I’d be the big brother saying, ‘Pick ’er up.’ ”