My wife and our 17-month-old baby were walking in the quiet residential area at the corner of Guernsey and Hampshire the morning of May 27, when an Oak Bay police car suddenly appeared out of nowhere, accelerating toward them just as they were stepping into the street to cross over.
This was followed by yet another police car charging from Guernsey and turning sharply a mere few feet away, to rush after the first one. She estimates their speed at around 70 km/h. No sirens were employed to signal advance warning. Our baby was terrified, and my wife distraught. A close call.
Guernsey is only one short block, with no sidewalks. Pedestrians have no choice but to walk directly on the pavement. An elderly lady in the neighbourhood regularly takes her morning and afternoon walks there, with a cane. Many children use this route to get to Lafayette Park.
One wonders what would have happened if my wife and baby girl had been in the middle of the road as they legitimately (and slowly, from necessity, pushing their stroller) crossed at the junction.
While it is a relief to know the Oak Bay police are vigilant in chasing down miscreants, surely it is common sense to realize that rushing at highway speed through residential zones in a circumscribed space is not worth the risk of innocent lives. We hope they re-evaluate their actions before it is too late.
Bob MacLean
Oak Bay