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UPDATE: ‘My husband is my hero’

Man faces charges after homeowner detains suspect in Oak Bay break and enter
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(Keri Coles/Oak Bay News)

A 21-year-old man who is “known to police” is facing charges after an altercation in an Oak Bay home Thursday.

Police were called to the 2000 block of Crescent Road on Thursday (Jan. 25) around 5 p.m. for a report of a break and enter in progress.

“The homeowners confronted someone who was in their house without their permission,” said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties, Oak Bay police.

Anna Johnston had just returned home from work. After saying hello to her husband, Luke Johnston, and her 16-year-old daughter, she let their dog out the back door. Noticing the sliding glass door of their home office was open she went out to close it. There, she found a 6’6” intruder wearing their clothes and stealing her daughter’s wallet, wireless speaker, and other items.

Anna stood in the doorway and called her husband upstairs telling him to come to the office from inside the house. She then called 911.

“My husband repeatedly asked him to leave. He wouldn’t leave. Luke tried to get him out the door but he was resisting so my husband tackled him and held him on the ground. He sat on him until the police arrived,” said Anna.

When police arrived they learned the man had several conditions stemming from previous criminal charges.

“The weird part was that his grandfather was yelling from the road. I don’t know why his grandfather was here. He kept saying he was taking him to the ferry,” said Anna.

Oak Bay police are recommending charges of break and enter, breach of conditions and other possible charges including assault.

The suspect had visible injuries and was treated at hospital.

“It’s believed the injuries occurred during the physical alteration with the homeowner,” said Bernoties. Police say the suspect is believed to have some addiction issues and is known to police.

The Johnstons commended the quick police response and were grateful for the support of their neighbours.

“This neighbourhood is wonderful. We’ve got a great group of people. Everyone looks out for one another. When we screamed for help, our neighbours were right there. A neighbour doctor came and made sure my husband Luke was OK.” said Anna.

“My husband is my hero. My daughter also. She ran out to get the neighbour, so that was a really wonderful move on her part,” said Anna.

Victim Services called the family this morning to offer support, and Anna said she will be ramping up security, including (jokingly) trading in her dog for a better guard dog.

“I do have a dog. He could have been a little more helpful. He could have paid his rent a little better,” said Anna.


 
keri.coles@oakbaynews.com

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