A man has now been charged in connection with the reported home invasions that took place in South Surrey this week.
David William Charles Hoffman, 38, has been charged with two counts of break-and-enter, one count of assault, two counts of mischief under $5,000 and one count of failing to comply with a release order, according to a Thursday (Feb. 27) update from Sgt. Tige Pollock of Surrey Police Service.
The charges relate to what police describe as "a series of violent break-and-enters and assaults" that happened on Wednesday (Feb. 26) around 1:30 a.m. in the area of King George Boulevard and 160 Street.
One elderly resident was allegedly dragged onto the street by the suspect, according to posts on Facebook. This victim is reported to have gone to a neighbour's door for help while they were covered in blood, according to a social media post. Another individual allegedly had their front door broken down by the suspect.
Police were called and located the suspect, who was then arrested and who remains in custody.
After being arrested, the suspect was taken to Peace Arch Hospital around 3:15 a.m.
"While we will not provide details regarding this person鈥檚 care history, we can share that they were not admitted to Peace Arch Hospital in the days prior to the police incident," a statement from Fraser Health reads.
Just before noon that day, the individual was involved in a "serious incident" that involved police, Fraser Health staff and medical staff, the health authority reported.
"This is a difficult situation for those involved, and we are providing support to our staff and medical staff, including counselling and support services to those who may need assistance. We are grateful to our staff and medical staff for their ongoing professionalism and dedication to caring for our patients, particularly when distressing events like this occur."
According to online court services, the suspect has appeared in court on several occasions dating back to 2008. He is set to appear in Surrey provincial court on March 3 for a bail hearing.
This incident is turning political, as sitting Conservative MLAs point blame to the NDP government.
Politicians took to social media and the legislature to speak on the incident, with Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko laying blame on "the NDP鈥檚 failure to address the crisis of untreated mental illness, addiction, and homelessness."
"As British Columbians, we must demand immediate change from this government to improve health, safety, and security for everyone."
At a reporter scrum at legislature on Thursday, Public Safety Minister Garry Begg said he does not have information about reports that the suspect is a repeat offender.
"It's despicable, that crime," Begg said.
"I understand there is a mental health component to it and that is what is currently being assessed. ... Mental health services was involved and is still involved."
Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford rose in the legislature Wednesday and claimed the suspect was "in psychosis."
"This attack is a direct result of the premier's failure to address the crisis of untreated mental illness and addiction," he said, echoing his colleague Sturko's points.
"How many British Columbians have to be injured, maimed or even killed before this premier opens a single one of his long-promised involuntary care beds?"
Although not disclosing how many, Begg said there are involuntary care beds already open in B.C. but acknowledged it is still a "work in progress," adding that expanding the service is a "priority" in the budget.
