A late-night encounter in an Oak Bay parking lot escalated quickly after a man allegedly offered cash to bypass an ignition interlock device and then pulled a knife when the offer was refused.
Oak Bay Police say the incident happened shortly after midnight on December 12th in the upper parking lot of the Oak Bay Recreation Centre.
According to police, a man was approached by an unknown man who offered him $100 to blow into an ignition interlock device so the suspect could start his vehicle.
When the offer was declined, police say the suspect brandished a knife.
The victim left the area immediately, drove to a safe location, and contacted police.
Officers were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle nearby and arrest the individual without further incident. A knife was found on the passenger seat of the vehicle.
The suspect was arrested for assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Police say he was later released with conditions, including a prohibition on possessing weapons, and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Oak Bay Police Department at (250) 592-2424 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
