On January 27, 2016, just before 8:00PM, Saanich Police were contacted about two young women who had entered a coffee shop in the 3600 block of Shelbourne St and were in distress. The two women informed Police that they had been sexually assaulted at their home in the 1500 Block of Church Avenue.
At the time Saanich Police released a video of the suspect and conducted a door to door canvass of the neighbourhood. Police also asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.
The Saanich Police had a number of resources dedicated to solving this horrific crime including Officers from the Patrol Division, Intelligence Section, Community Engagement Division, the Forensic Identification Section the Street Crime Unit and Major Crime Unit. Saanich Officers also received significant assistance from both the Victoria Police Department and the Saskatoon Police Service.
Through the investigative process Officers were able to successfully identify the suspect. On April 5, 2016 Saanich Police travelled to Saskatoon and, with the assistance of the Saskatoon Police Service, the suspect was arrested in connection to this crime.
The accused, 43 year old David Hope, has been arrested for 1 count of Break and Enter, 1 count of Sexual Assault, 2 counts of Robbery and 2 counts of Forcible Confinement.
“Mr. Hope has lived in various western provinces and has family ties to Vancouver Island.” said A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie. “The investigation revealed that Mr. Hope left the province shortly after the offence occurred.”
After tracking down the accused he was arrested and remanded into Police custody by the Saskatoon Courts. Saanich Police Major Crime Detectives transported Mr. Hope back to Victoria late Wednesday night and he is scheduled to appear in Victoria court this morning.
This was a very complex investigation and involved different geographical areas within Canada and various Police agencies. Saanich Police would like to thank the Victoria Police Department and the Saskatoon Police Service, Special Investigations Unit for their support during this investigation.
A/Sgt. Jereme Leslie #228
SPD File 16-02063