A routine traffic stop from early this week resulted in a physical altercation between a Saanich Police officer and a vehicle passenger.
On Monday, April 21st just before 1 a.m., Saanich Police conducted a routine traffic stop after spotting a vehicle with a broken tail light in the 3100 block of Irma Street.
During the stop, police noted drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, which formed grounds for their arrest, and both driver and passenger were ordered to exit the vehicle.
The driver complied, and she was taken into custody without incident. The passenger refused to cooperate and he began kicking at the officers.
Once police removed him fromthe vehicle, the man continued to fight and landed several more kicks, including a kick to the head of one of the officers.
Eventually police were able to subdue and arrest him without further injury, and he was transported back to a cell and held for a court appearance.
The vehicle search produced what appeared to be crack cocaine, two scales, as well as other paraphernalia associated with the consumption and trafficking of drugs.
The officers involved in these incidents were assessed for injuries and determined fit to return to duty and complete their shifts.
The passenger, Zachary Mott, has been charged with one count of assaulting a police officer. He was released from custody with orders to appear in court on April 30th.
Saanich Police have alleged that Mott was then involved in a second incident where he assaulted a police officer in a neighbouring jurisdiction upon being released from custody.
No further details regarding Mott or the driver were provided at this time.
