Victoria grocery store attack suspect re-arrested
Victoria grocery store assault suspect: arrest follows return to same Save-On-Foods See how staff recognition and police action shaped a case renewing calls for safer stores
A man accused of violently assaulting a grocery store manager in Victoria, British Columbia, has been arrested again after reportedly returning to the same SaveOnFoods store on Friday.
Pattison Food Group said staff recognized the suspect and called police when he entered the Pandora Avenue location. Police arrested Peter Andrew Patrick Statham, 27, who remains in custody ahead of a bail hearing.
He faces charges including theft, assault causing bodily harm and robbery tied to a Sept. 19 incident in which the store manager was allegedly punched multiple times after confronting a person banned for shoplifting. The manager was knocked unconscious, suffered a concussion and other serious injuries, and was hospitalized.
The case has renewed calls from Pattison Food Group, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and local political leaders for stronger responses to repeat violent offenders and more protection for retail workers.