Man arrested during Victoria’s Santa Claus Parade after allegedly assaulting spectator

VicPD officers had to arrest a man during this past weekend’s Santa Claus Parade after a member of the crowd was allegedly assaulted.

The parade took place on Saturday evening, with VicPD officers there to ensure the event was safe and family-friendly. Additionally, a VicPD contingent were walking in the parade and handing out candy canes.

Thanks to the citizens who flagged me down as I was walking to the start of the parade and pointed out the suspect. He would have continued to cause a disturbance & assault others if @vicpdcanada didn’t arrest him immediately. Glad the victim wasn’t seriously hurt. https://t.co/giyiU57wSR

— Del Manak (@ChiefManak) November 27, 2022

According to police, a parade spectator approached members of the VicPD contingent to report that a man had assaulted a member of the crowd and was walking through the crowd trying to instigate additional fights.

Officers approached the man and escorted him away from the parade route in an effort to make a safe arrest away from bystanders and children.

The department said that when officers moved to arrest the man, he began to fight with them, but after several minutes, officers were able to take the man into custody.

A little cold and a little wet but worth it to see Santa! @vicpdcanada proud to be a part of the @peninsulacoop Santa Light Parade. Great turnout. Nice to see so many families in the Christmas spirit. pic.twitter.com/xTwHqFydAO

— Del Manak (@ChiefManak) November 27, 2022

A VicPD officer sustained a non-life-threatening injury during the arrest. The man was not injured.

The parade spectator did not require medical attention.

Chief of Police, Del Manak thanked the citizens who flagged him down as he was walking to the start of the parade and pointed out the suspect.

"He would have continued to cause a disturbance and assault others if [VicPD officers] didn’t arrest him immediately. Glad the victim wasn’t seriously hurt."

Police took the man to VicPD cells, where he remains. The parade continued without further incident.

If you witnessed this incident, have video of the incident or the man’s arrest or have information about this incident and have yet to speak with an officer, please call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.