Greater Victoria police officers will head to the top of Uptown shopping centre this weekend.
From May 1 to 3, three law enforcement officers will camp out on scaffolding while members of the Oak Bay Police Department, Central Saanich Police Services, Saanich Police Department and Victoria Police Department collect donations from the community to Free the Fuzz and raise funds for Special Olympics.
Free the Fuzz will kick off Friday, with Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement members marching together into the shopping centre at 5 p.m.
The fundraiser will also include a dunk tank, face painting for kids, hotdog sales and coffee by donation, as well as police dog demonstrations.
“We are thrilled to bring Free the Fuzz back to Victoria. Special Olympics gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the chance to be part of a team, and it builds self-confidence,” said event organizer Const. Lisa Bruschetta of the Saanich Police Department.
“Our local athletes are very excited to join in the events we have prepared for the weekend. Our goal is to engage with the community and show our support for our amazing athletes.”
Vehicles impounded
Oak Bay Police impounded a vehicle April 21 after a driver blew a ‘warn’ on a breath screening device. An officer stopped the car for a traffic violation and noted the smell of liquor.
The vehicle was impounded for three days and the driver was issued a three-day driving prohibition.
A similar fate awaited a driver stopped in the 3300 block of Henderson Road the next day. The investigating officer smelled liquor and this driver produced a ‘fail’ reading. The driver was issued a 90-day immediate driving prohibition and that vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Driver impaired by drugs
The telling scent of marijuana led to a field sobriety test for a driver in the 2700 block of Foul Bay Road on April 21. After being pulled over for speeding by Oak Bay Police, the driver admitted to recently smoking a joint. After failing the standard field test, the driver was issued a 24-hour suspension and the vehicle was towed. The driver was also issued a ticket for failing to produce his driver’s licence.
The same situation went down two days later, April 23, in the 1800 block of Beach Drive. That driver too was issued a 24-hour suspension and the vehicle was towed.
Crooks swipe concession cash
On April 25, Oak Bay Police received a report of a break and enter to a concession stand at a local park. Money and supplies were stolen. The Saanich Police Department Forensic Identification Section attended and inspected the property for forensic evidence.
Lawn sleeper roused on Beach Drive
The Oak Bay Police Department received a complaint of a woman passed out on the front lawn of a residence in the 1700 block of Beach Drive on April 21. She was taken to the sobering centre and released the next morning.