Police investigate assault on E&N Rail Trail, suspect arrested

West Shore RCMP responded to a report of an assault at approximately 10:22 p.m. on September 4, 2024 on the E&N Rail Trail near Atkins Ave and Westwind Drive in Langford.

Upon arrival, police learned that four youth had been sprayed with bear mace by an unknown male that was wearing a balaclava and carrying an edged weapon. The youths were involved in a brief altercation with the suspect before he fled the scene on foot. As a result of the incident, one of the victims sustained serious non-life-threatening injuries after being cut by a knife and was taken to the hospital for further care. The other youth were all treated by Emergency Health Services at the scene.

At 10:27 p.m., while attempting to locate the suspect, police received a call from a neighbouring home on Kingswood Drive of a male acting erratically that matched the description of the suspect. Officers attended the home and, with the assistance of West Shore RCMP Police Dog Services, took the suspect into custody.

Police subsequently seized a can of bear mace and a knife which is believed to have been used in the offence. Police do not know what the motive was for this attack as the victims and suspect are not known to each other.

The suspect is identified as 32-year-old Langford man, Kai Seppala, who has been charged with 8 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 an upcoming court date in October.