Less than 24 hours after an armed robbery of a Saanich gas station, police have arrested their suspect.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 22) at the Petro-Canada on the Pat Bay Highway at Sayward Road. The man entered the store and demanded cash from the 34-year-old female employee. He fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
Video surveillance from the gas station provided police with very clear photos of the suspect. He has very distinctive tattoos on his neck, hands and forearm, as well as a black eye.
His description was shared with other police agencies in the region, and members of the Victoria Police Department successfully identified the man. Forensic evidence collected at the crime scene also helped positively identify the suspect.
"Knowing the identity of the male, as well as having been shown the surveillance photos, officers hit the streets last night watching for the suspect," said Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie.
Around 2 a.m. Friday, a Saanich police officer spotted the suspect in Saanich Plaza near Blanshard Street and Ravine Way. The man, a 28-year-old, was arrested without incident.
Police are recommending a charge of armed robbery using a firearm.
kslavin@saanichnews.com