Victoria tent city arrest sees officer injured
VicPD says tent city has seen increased violence over last few weeks as 'criminal element' moves in
Victoria police say an officer was injured Tuesday during an arrest at the city's homeless camp.
VicPD says two officers assigned to keep order around the tent city attempted to arrest a woman on an outstanding warrant. The woman fled, officers chased her on foot, and the woman allegedly assaulted an officer during the arrest.
Police say the female officer received "non-life threatening injuries" and was treated in hospital.
VicPD declined to specify the nature of her injuries citing privacy concerns. However, a police spokesperson says no weapon was involved.
Police are recommending a charge of assaulting a police officer.
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Safety around the tent city has been a growing concern in recent weeks.
"We've seen an increase in violence on the site," Insp. Scott McGregor said last week. "And we think that's directly connected to a criminal element that has moved onto that site — persons that are trafficking drugs."
Victoria city councillors agreed, Friday, to provide $113,000 in special funds to pay for two officers to keep watch around the clock.
The province tried to shut down the site last month but failed to get an injunction to do so.
The province's next court date for an injunction is scheduled for the fall. The campers have until Wednesday to meet fire safety standards or the province may seek an injunction sooner.
With files from Liam Britten