Woman faces charges after B.C. Ferries staff threatened with a knife

Photo: Times Colonist file photo

A Victoria woman is in custody after allegedly trying to steal a cellphone from a B.C. Ferries passenger and threatening to stab staff members with a knife.

Sidney-North Saanich RCMP Cpl. Andres Sanchez said officers were called to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal on Saturday to deal with a woman who created a disturbance and threatened B.C. Ferries staff, then ran away from the terminal.

Officers on their way to the call received another report that the woman was trying to break into a home in the Lands End area.

Police located a suspect and took control of the situation. The suspect relinquished a knife and was taken into custody.

“This was a dynamic and dangerous situation for everyone involved,” Sanchez said. “Whenever a suspect brandishes a weapon, police officers are forced to make split-second decisions. The officers in this situation used good judgment and relied upon sound de-escalation techniques to address a very agitated individual. I am glad to report that this situation was resolved without anyone being harmed.”

Police are recommending charges of robbery, mischief, assault with a weapon and break and enter.