A man accused of using mace and a knife in an evening attack on four youths on a Langford trail last week has been arrested.
On Sept. 4 at about 10:22 p.m., West Shore RCMP learned four youths had been sprayed with bear mace on the E&N Rail Trail near Atkins Avenue and Westwind Drive in Langford by a male wearing a balaclava and carrying an edged weapon.
A brief altercation with the suspect followed before he fled the scene on foot, said police.
One of the youths sustained serious but non-life-threatening knife injuries and was taken to hospital, while the remaining youths were treated by paramedics at the scene.
Minutes later, at 10:27 p.m., police said they received a call from a home on neighbouring Kingswood Drive about a male who matched the description of the suspect and was acting erratically.
Officers went to the home with a police dog and took the suspect into custody.
West Shore RCMP say they subsequently seized a can of bear mace and a knife believed to have been used in the offence.
Police said they don’t know the motive for the attack, as the victims and suspect are not known to each other.
Cpl. Nancy Saggar said police will have more to say later this morning at the West Shore RCMP detachment.
The suspect is identified as Kai Seppala, 32, of Langford. He has been charged with eight offences, including assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and using a disguise while committing an offence.
Seppala was held by police and has been remanded in custody with a court date in October, said police.
Note to readers: This story has been corrected. A previous version said the attack occurred on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. In fact, it happened on the E&N Rail Trail. Incorrect information was provided by West Shore RCMP.
