23940 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

Murdered Ditidaht man’s family seeking justice as trial nears

 

 

A suspect, Derian Tate was arrested that day and charged with first-degree murder and remains behind bars awaiting trial.

 

“There’s been one charge laid, first-degree murder for the murder of our son so we’re continuing that push for justice. We’re really hoping for one more charge to be laid for the people to be held responsible,” said Joseph.

 

They say police have told them a female was arrested this summer but no charges have been laid.

 

[...]

 

For now, they hope for another murder charge before the case goes to trial.

 

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...-nears-1294763/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 14 December 2025 - 08:39 PM.

[pontcanna]

Saanich Police Investigate Assault with Weapon

December 15, 2025

Saanich Police are investigating an alleged assault that may have occurred along Burnside Road West between Harriet Road and Tillicum Road on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Officers were notified after a man suffering from an apparent stab wound, was located and treated by Emergency Health Services near Saanich Road and Oak Street. He was transported to hospital but later refused medical treatment and declined to provide a statement to police.

Given the individual’s unwillingness to cooperate with investigators, police believe this was an isolated or targeted incident.

Anyone who was travelling along Burnside Road West between Harriet Road and Tillicum Road, on Sunday December 14, 2025, between 4:40 p.m. and 5:40 p.m., and who may have dash-cam footage of the area or witnessed an altercation, is asked to please contact our non-emergency number at 250-475-4321. Please note you are calling about file number #25-23683.

Jason Hallman | Communications Advisor

[pontcanna]

VicPD Investigates Assault with a Knife in James Bay

December 15, 2025 - File: #25-49607

Victoria, B.C. – Today at approximately 10:30 a.m. VicPD responded to a report of an assault with a knife at a construction site on San Jose Avenue in the James Bay neighbourhood. The report prompted a significant police response as officers worked to locate the suspect and ensure public safety.

Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by BC Emergency Health Services for treatment.

Through continued investigation, officers were able to locate and arrest a suspect approximately one hour later. The accused remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court tomorrow.

The incident remains under active investigation by VicPD's General Investigation Section (GIS). Charges will be recommended to Crown Counsel.

There is no ongoing risk to the public. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Victoria Police Department (250) 995-7654, extension 1.

[pontcanna]

Red Barn settles lawsuit filed by employees secretly recorded in bathroom

16 Dec 2025

The lawsuit against Red Barn Market & employee Matthew Schwabe said Schwabe, the son of one of the chain’s owners at the time, placed a hidden camera in a washroom at the Red Barn @ Mattick’s Farm & recorded women when they used the toilet and in stages of undress. Some recordings were posted on a Russian revenge p*rn website, paired w/info to identify them, i.e. screenshots from Facebook profiles, the women’s first or last names or that they were from Victoria.

Schwabe pleaded guilty to unlawfully observing/recording 8 women in a place where they could reasonably have been expected to be nude, and to publishing intimate images of 9 women on p*rn websites w/out consent. He was sentenced in Nov 2021 to 15 mos jail + 2 yrs probation.

Red Barn settled the lawsuit Dec. 8, said plaintiffs lawyer, who could not disclose the amount paid out by Red Barn but said it was a “substantial” settlement to 6 individuals.

 

More: https://www.timescol...throom-11627092

 

Edited by pontcanna, 16 December 2025 - 09:25 AM.

[pontcanna]

5-month investigation results in drugs and firearm charges

December 15, 2025 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
From: Nanaimo RCMP

In early November of 2024, an investigation was initiated by General Duty members of the Nanaimo RCMP into a residence believed to be trafficking in controlled substances. The investigation was conducted over a period of 5 months.

On April 17, 2025, with assistance from the General Investigation Section (GIS) and Projects (Drug Unit), a search warrant was executed on the residence.

Investigators located the following illegal substances within the residence

52 grams of Fentanyl
25 grams of Cocaine
30 grams of Methamphetamine
213 illicit pills

Investigators also located

A Ruger carbine
A Norinco Chinese Shotgun
Hard body armour

The Ruger was identified as previously being stolen during a break and enter in Port Alberni.

On December 8, 2025, the following charges were approved on Norman James Miller of Nanaimo (44)

Careless use of firearm, Contrary to Section 86 (1) CC

Unauthorized possession of a firearm, Contrary to Section 91 (1) (a) CC
Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, Contrary to Section 92 (1) (a) CC
Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, Contrary to Section 95 (1) (a) CC
Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, Contrary to Section 88 (1) CC
Possession Contrary to Order, Contrary to Section 117.01 CC
5 counts of Trafficking in Substance, Contrary to Section 5(2) CDSA, Being in possession of Fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.
Possession of property obtained by crime, Contrary to Section 354 (1)(a) CC

The following charges were approved on Carlene Marie Sneddon of Nanaimo. (42)

Unauthorized possession of a firearm, Contrary to Section 91 (1) (a) CC
Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, Contrary to Section 92 (1) (a) CC
Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, Contrary to Section 95 (1) (a) CC
Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, Contrary to Section 88 (1) CC
Possession Contrary to Order, Contrary to Section 117.01 CC
5 counts of Trafficking in Substance, Contrary to Section 5(2) CDSA, Being in possession of Fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.
Possession of property obtained by crime, Contrary to Section 354 (a) CC

Warrants were issued for both Miller and Sneddon. On December 10, 2025, both were located, arrested. and remanded in custody.

Reserve Constable Gary O'Brien
Media Relations Officer
Nanaimo RCMP

[pontcanna]

[pontcanna]

 

Red Barn settles lawsuit filed by employees secretly recorded in bathroom

16 Dec 2025

 

In BC Supreme Court, an agreement was reached on Dec. 8, 2025 among all the parties – Jennifer Burke and Mallory Colter – and Red Barn at Mattick’s Ltd. and Matthew Schwabe.

Six years after filing their class action lawsuit, the Red Barn Market agreed to pay $750,000 to the women.

 

More: https://cheknews.ca/...m-case-1295247/

[pontcanna]

Sidney/North Saanich RCMP issues public scam alert

December 16, 2025 - Sidney BC, British Columbia
From: Sidney North Saanich RCMP

The Sidney/North Saanich RCMP is advising the public of a scam currently circulating throughout the Capital Regional District and is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

On December 9, 2025, Sidney/North Saanich RCMP officers responded to a report involving a South Asian couple who had approached a victim at a local gas station, claiming they required money to return home. The suspects provided the victim with several pieces of what appeared to be gold jewellery in exchange for financial assistance. The items were later determined to be fake. The couple was reported to have left the area in a dark-coloured SUV.

Similar incidents have been reported across the Capital Regional District in late November and early December. Police are reminding the public to exercise caution when approached by individuals seeking money and to report any suspicious activity to their local police.

Constable Benje Bartley
Media Relations Officer
Sidney North Saanich RCMP

[Victoria Watcher]

Sooke’s top cop is warning that organized crime is on the rise in the capital region’s westernmost community.

 

Staff Sgt. Greg Willcox told council last week that criminal enterprises are moving out of Victoria and the West Shore to Sooke, in part because the district has a lighter police presence.

 

Willcox said the individuals the RCMP have noticed moving into Sooke seem to be in the low-to-mid tier of organized crime, people who directly handle drug trafficking duties.

 

“I know this because we’re seizing their product,” he said.

 

In February, the detachment announced the seizure of 3.5 kilograms of illicit drugs from two Sooke-area properties.

 

Counterfeit U.S. currency, Canadian cash and other items potentially linked to illegal drug distribution were also found in the Jan. 30 raids, led by Sooke RCMP with help from the RCMP’s regional emergency response team.

 

Willcox said sophisticated criminal enterprises are moving to Sooke to be farther from major crime units such as those in Saanich, Victoria and the West Shore.

 

That’s similar to what happened in Langford 20 years ago, when organized crime began moving to that West Shore community to avoid police scrutiny in the core, he said.

 

 

https://www.timescol...s-rcmp-11633349

 

 

 

 

Maybe if drug possession was illegal, less people would buy, less people would traffic it.   

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 17 December 2025 - 06:08 AM.

[Mike K.]

They are no more moving “to Sooke,” then they are moving to Victoria, when they take up residence in Esquimalt. You wouldn’t say a criminal living in Highlands lives in Langford, for example, but that’s how the police are framing the situation here.

I watched the presentation and the OIC did not do a good job of separating out crime within the municipal boundary and beyond it. That multi-location drug bust referenced in the article did not occur within the municipality, but the presentation was being made to District of Sooke council talking about crime within the municipality. The drug busts were on FN land and Otter Point, which falls under CRD jurisdiction. The drug lab announced in October was in Jordan River.

[aastra]

 

 

Victoria heritage home damaged by arson to be torn down for proposed development

 

The way this whole thing played out from the very start, it really leaves a bad taste in the mouth. I'll leave it at that.

 

 

Council was torn on the project, which city staff had recommended postponing to find a way to retain the heritage home. But ultimately, the majority of council sided with the church and agreed the home could go.

“I think a number of us are incredibly conflicted on this one, and it is the difference between heritage retention and a development that I think all of us probably support for the housing component,”

 

(aastra reaches for the mouthwash)

 

 

 

Caradonna said he was swayed by the emotional context of the site.

“For Father Yuriy and for the Ukrainian Church to show up every day at work and see the building at which this heinous crime was committed, where human life was almost lost, it becomes a source of trauma,” he said. “I don’t really see the value in forcing them into a situation that they don’t want to do.”

 

(aastra starts drinking the mouthwash)

[pontcanna]

Police investigate two overnight shootings directed at house and vehicles

December 17, 2025 - Duncan, British Columbia
From: North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP

File #2025-20114 / #2025-20234

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP is investigating after receiving reports of shots fired at a residence on Jaynes Rd in North Cowichan and at two vehicles on Marchmont Rd in Duncan.

On December 15, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP responded to the 5800 block of Jaynes Rd in North Cowichan after several shots were heard. Initial patrols of the area did not yield any immediate results as to where the shots came from. The detachment’s Investigation Support Team and Street Crimes Unit along with a Police Service Dog attended to comb the area. Evidence retrieved at the scene indicated that a residence nearby was shot at. There were no reported injuries.

On December 17, 2025, at approximately 2:45 a.m., North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP responded to the 1000 block of Marchmont Rd after getting a report of shots heard and located two vehicles that were seemingly targeted.

An older model Jeep Cherokee was shortly located later engulfed in fire on Herd Rd, believed to be associated with this incident.

 

“While these incidents are concerning, investigators have reasons to believe this was not random, but rather targeted incidents”, said Corporal Alex Bérubé, spokesperson for the BC RCMP. “Police are actively exploring every possible avenue to gather all the necessary evidence to locate and arrest the suspect(s). Public safety is a priority and we are asking the public to assist us in our investigation to identify any suspect in order to prevent further similar incidents.”

These investigations are active, and no further details are available at this time.

Anyone with information, including surveillance footage of the area is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.

Corporal Alex Bérubé
District Advisory NCO (Media Relations)
BC RCMP Vancouver Island District

[pontcanna]

VicPD Release Surveillance Images Seeking Public Assistance in Residential Investigation

December 17, 2025

File: #25-47994

Victoria, B.C. – VicPD officers are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect following a break and enter incident that occurred last week and have released surveillance images to help in the investigation.

On December 12, just before 2:30 p.m., police received a report of an unknown individual entering a residence in the 1400 block of Walnut Street and causing significant disruption. Initial investigation revealed the individual departed the scene on a bicycle, travelling westbound on Walnut Street.

Investigators have obtained and are now releasing images of the suspect captured on surveillance footage. The suspect is described as a Caucasian, with a slim build, approximately 5’10” in height, with brown hair and was wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.

 

 

These images, captured by CCTV, show the suspect involved in a break-in at a residence on Walnut Street on December 12. Investigators are asking for the public's help to identify this individual, described as approximately 5’10” with a slim build and brown hair.

Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the individual in the CCTV images, or who has information about this incident, to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at 250-995-7654 ext. 1, and reference file number 25-47994.

[pontcanna]

Prolific offender sentenced for violent Nanaimo crime spree

 

Dec 18, 2025 

 

Diraddo

NANAIMO - Homeless and desperate to feed a severe opioid addiction, a Nanaimo man’s recent crimes included stealing a 13-year-olds’ mountain bike and threatening to kill him.

A sentencing hearing for 48-y/o Jason Joseph Diraddo Dec. 17 resulted in a 234-day jail sentence & 1 yr probation after he pled guilty to 8 charges in 5 incidents between mid-Jun & late Aug.

Pretrial custody means Diraddo will serve a further 60 days behind bars.

Crown: “From the middle of June until Mr. Diraddo was in custody August 24, he was wreaking havoc in the community.”

"This behaviour that citizens of this city had to endure from this gentleman are nothing short of shocking,” the judge said. “You’ll end up serving a life sentence in installments, and I’m sure you don’t want that.”

Diraddo’s record dates from 2006, inc. property offences, violence, breaches & driving infractions.

 

More: https://nanaimonewsn...mo-crime-spree/

 

[Victoria Watcher]

Oak Bay Police say they’re on the lookout for a woman who was reportedly shining a laser pointer in drivers’ eyes over the weekend.

 

Police say they were called to the intersection of Fort Street and Foul Bay Road on the evening of Dec. 14 for a report of a woman shining a red laser pointer at passing cars.

 

A witness described the woman as being in her 40s, standing 5’8” with a slim build and shoulder-length dark hair. She was wearing dark clothing and had a white umbrella at the time.

 

Police say they went to the intersection but were unable to find a suspect.

 

OBPD adds that it received similar reports of laser pointer incidents in previous weekends between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

 

“Shining lasers at drivers is extremely dangerous. It can cause temporary blindness or distraction, increasing the risk of collisions and serious injuries,” said Oak Bay Police in a release Friday.

 

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...s-eyes-1295943/

 

 

 

Shining lasers at drivers is extremely dangerous. It can cause temporary blindness or distraction, increasing the risk of collisions and serious injuries

 

 

 

 

I'm not so sure.  "AI Jamie, bring that up!"

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 December 2025 - 11:44 AM.

[pontcanna]

New charges laid against accused Nanaimo prowler

Dec 19, 2025

NANAIMO — New charges have been approved against a Duncan man in connection to alleged prowling incidents in Oct.

52 y/o David Robert Hope was charged earlier this year on 1 count of indecent act in a public place, and B&E w/intent after an alleged incident on Oct. 16 at a S Nanaimo home.

Dec. 18, RCMP announced 6 add'l charges, incl 3 more counts of indecent acts, a B&E w/Intent & 2 new voyeurism charges.

He was previously sentenced to 8 yrs prison in 2016 for robbery, unlawful confinement & sexual assault of 2 women @ UVic. He forced his way into their apt near campus & attacked them. He then took both to an ATM, forcing them to withdraw cash.

More: https://nanaimonewsn...anaimo-prowler/

[pontcanna]

[Victoria Watcher]

I read that twice. I don’t get it.

[max.bravo]

Bad guy had a breathalyzer-ignition device on his car. He was drunk so he offered a random dude $100 to blow the breathalyzer for him, so he can start his car. Guy declined, so bad guy pulls a knife. Guy runs away and drives off to call the police. Police find bad guy sitting in his car with a knife in the front seat.

Edited by max.bravo, 19 December 2025 - 06:57 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Bad guy really soured. From a generous offer to mean threat. He probably had a headache the next day. Does the story mention that?

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 December 2025 - 07:19 PM.