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Witnesses, Victims Sought Following Smoke Grenade Incident At Restaurant

Traffic Advisory
Date Published: 07 Aug 2024, Last Updated: 15 May 2025

Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 File: 24-28386 & 24-28443 Victoria, BC – Investigators are looking to speak with witnesses or victims after a smoke grenade was discharged inside a restaurant in the 500-Block of Fisgard Street today. At approximately 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a smoke grenade being discharged inside a restaurant in the 500-Block of Fisgard Street. Due to a delay in receiving the report, when officers arrived on-scene, the building had already been evacuated. Investigators believe over 30 patrons were inside the restaurant at the time of the incident, and there may have been additional witnesses nearby. This incident follows an earlier report of a break and enter at the same location. Just before 8:30 a.m. today, officers received a call from a witness who observed a male break through the front door with a rock and enter the building. After fleeing on foot prior to police arrival, officers identified, located and arrested the suspect less than two hours after the incident occurred. The suspect was released with conditions not to return to the business and to attend a future court date. Investigators believe the male who committed the break and enter is also responsible for the smoke grenade incident. Investigators are asking witnesses, victims inside the restaurant when the smoke grenade was used, or anyone with information to assist with our investigation, to call the E-Comm Report Desk at 250-995-7654 extension 1 and reference file number 24-28443. As the investigation is ongoing, no further details are available at this time. Why Was This Person Originally Released? Bill C-75, which came into effect nationally in 2019, legislated a “principle of restraint” that requires police to release an accused person at the earliest possible opportunity after considering certain factors which include the likelihood the accused will attend court, the imminence of the risk posed to public safety, and the impact on confidence in the criminal justice system. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides that every person has the right to liberty and the presumption of innocence pre-trial. Police are also asked to consider the circumstances of Indigenous or vulnerable persons in the process, in order to address the disproportionate impacts that the criminal justice system has on these populations.   

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