Search warrant executed at Saanich home in relation to Galloping Goose shooting

A search warrant executed at a Saanich home Wednesday night was related to an ongoing investigation that involved a man turning up at the hospital with a gunshot wound.

In an email statement to Victoria Buzz, a spokesperson with Saanich Police confirmed officers, with the assistance of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant in the 800 block of Cowper Street.

They also confirmed that the warrant was related to the incident involving a man who attended a local hospital on March 11th, suffering from a gunshot wound.

No other details were released on the search warrant; however, many took to social media after the incident, seeking answers upon hearing a few bangs followed by numerous sirens in the area.

At around 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 11th, a section of the Galloping Goose Trail near Spectrum, including the pedestrian overpass over the McTavish Interchange, was closed after an individual arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound.

Very few details were known at the time, and the area remained closed for nearly 17 hours following the incident as investigators waited for daylight to continue their search for evidence.

Related: Man’s arrival at hospital with gunshot wounds prompts Galloping Goose closure

The popular trail was closed between Grange Road and McKenzie Avenue until about noon on March 12th.

The injured individual’s wounds are not believed to be life-threatening, and police believe the man was targeted.

“Our detectives continue to investigate, including the connection of the shooting to the District of Saanich,” said a spokesperson with Saanich Police.

Throughout the course of Tuesday morning, a visible police presence could be observed along the Galloping Goose Trail, with officers systematically combing the grassed area in a coordinated formation.

Reports indicate that the investigation began shortly after 7 p.m. on Monday night, with armed police directing individuals away from the affected area of the trail.

Police did not indicate if a suspect had been arrested but said the Saanich Police Major Crime Unit continue to investigate.