Oak Bay Police are investigating after a deer was injured Wednesday evening (Oct. 14).
Police were told a white van that was seen driving around the Uplands area around 7:30 p.m. where a few deer gathered on the boulevard. The resident heard "pop, pop, pop" sounds similar to a .22-calibre rifle and saw the deer scatter, police say.
"We haven't confirmed that's what happened," said Const. Rick Anthony, community liaison officer. "We don't have any bullets or the deer. We're basing this on the sound of shots fired and a bleeding deer."
The resident said a large buck ran into the backyard where it appeared injured, but when they went to check on it a short time later, it was gone. Police found obvious signs of blood loss from the deer, but no animal.
"It's a big concern, you can't fire a rifle in an urban area. You can't hunt from a vehicle," Anthony said.
The van was described as a late 1990s, white minivan with black trim and a sliding door.
Oak Bay Police investigating, and working with the BC Conservation Service. They ask that anyone with information, or who discovers an injured buck, call Oak Bay Police at 250-592-2424 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.