Posted 2015-07-07
An employee of a restaurant in the 300 block of Burnside Road West is recovering following a violent robbery that occurred while the employee was having a break outside the back of the business. The incident took place at approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, June 26.
The 19 year old male victim was allegedly approached and was asked for a cigarette. When the victim denied having further cigarettes, his cell phone was taken. The victim asked for the return of his phone and was immediately attacked by one of two males. One of the suspects is alleged to have violently choked the victim and also to have threatened to kill the victim while holding a screwdriver to the victim’s neck.
The victim agreed to obtain his cigarettes from inside the restaurant. One of the suspects accompanied the victim and fled on foot after obtaining the cigarettes.
The victim and other employees from the business were able to provide detailed descriptions of the two suspects. One of the suspects, a 20 year old Saanich man, was located several blocks away and was arrested.
The second suspect, a 17 year old youth from the Mill Bay area, was identified by investigators as a person of interest. Contact was made with the family of the 17 year old suspect, and the suspect turned himself in to police the following day.
The 17 year old suspect, who cannot be named, was released from police custody with a recommended charge of Robbery with Violence.
20 year old Gene John GOLISH was remanded in custody and remains in custody with an anticipated court date of July 8, 2015. Recommended charges for GOLISH include Robbery with Violence, Overcoming Resistance by Attempting To Choke Another Person, Uttering Threats, and Failing to Comply with a Probation Order.
Both suspects have had previous contacts with Police.
File 2015-13351
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158