VicPD, Saanich Police and the West Shore RCMP all contributed to making an arrest after a woman stole a vehicle while wielding a machete last Friday.
At around 11 p.m., on May 31st, VicPD say they received a call from a taxi driver in the 500-block of Johnson Street, downtown Victoria, who said that his cab was stolen and the woman he was transporting had brandished a machete against him.
Police say they learned that the suspect, later identified as Samantha McDonald, had hailed the taxi and requested it to stop at several locations.
McDonald then reportedly threatened the driver with her machete when he asked her to pay the fare she owed him.
According to police, the driver then exited the vehicle and McDonald got in the driver’s seat and drove off with his cab, leaving him on the sidewalk.
VicPD say they were able to monitor its movements as it drove towards Saanich. They then contacted Saanich Police who attempted to stop the stolen cab but failed.
Saanich Police reportedly wanted to avoid a high-speed chase so they opted to not pursue McDonald.
VicPD continued to monitor the cab’s movements as it began driving towards the West Shore, where they asked the regional RCMP to aid them in stopping the vehicle.
West Shore RCMP say they used a spike belt in order to successfully stop the vehicle allowing VicPD to take McDonald into custody.
“West Shore RCMP Frontline officers acted quickly after receiving information from Victoria and Saanich Police Departments,” said Inspector Stephen Rose, Officer in Charge of Operations at West Shore RCMP.
“Our officers were able to stop the stolen vehicle and take the suspect into custody thereby preventing them from inflicting further harm to our communities.”
McDonald now remains in VicPD custody awaiting her court date.
She has had charges of robbery possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose sworn against her.
VicPD say they are investigating the robbery aspect of this crime whereas Saanich Police and West Shore RCMP are investigating the driving-related crimes.
