Saanich police say a certified drone operator played a key role in locating a suspect after bear spray was discharged inside a grocery store in Broadmead on Sept. 19, underlining the growing role of unmanned aircraft in local public-safety work.
Incident unfolded at Country Grocer on West Saanich Road
Officers were called shortly after 1:30 p.m. to the Country Grocer in the 4400-block of West Saanich Road after reports that bear spray had been released inside the store during what police say was a suspected shoplifting. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived, but a certified police drone operator soon located him a short distance away and directed ground units to make the arrest.
The man, identified in a police release as Michael Nasby, faces one count of robbery and is in custody awaiting a future court appearance. Police did not provide details on whether the loss prevention worker or customers exposed to the spray required medical attention.
Drone program intended for search, emergency and investigative uses
“When a suspect leaves an area before officers arrive, time is critical,” Staff Sergeant Aaron Thompson said in the Saanich Police Service release, describing the operational value of aerial support during fast-moving incidents.
“When a suspect leaves an area before officers arrive, time is critical.”
The Saanich Police launched its drone program in August. The service has said the aircraft will be deployed for a range of purposes, including missing-person searches and emergency-response situations, as well as to assist with investigations and scene assessment.
Civic use of drones by police has become more common in municipalities across Canada, prompting debate about privacy, oversight and the balance between public safety and civil liberties. Saanich police have emphasised the devices are operated by certified pilots and that the program is intended to improve response times and situational awareness for officers on the ground.
Local context and community impact
Broadmead is a largely residential neighbourhood with a mix of shopping nodes that residents use for daily errands. An incident that disperses irritant spray inside a supermarket can affect dozens of shoppers and staff, causing temporary closures, clean-up and concern among neighbours.
For many Saanich residents who favour walkable access to groceries and services, visible policing and quick resolution of retail crime can be reassuring; others may weigh the benefits of faster apprehension against questions about when and how aerial surveillance is used.
Police materials did not say whether the drone recorded footage that will be retained in evidence or how long such footage might be stored. Nor did the release state whether Saanich police notified neighbouring properties or businesses when the drone was deployed in the residential area adjacent to the grocery store.
Timeline of the response
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| About 1:30 p.m., Sept. 19 | Police receive call about bear spray inside Country Grocer |
| Shortly after | Suspect had fled prior to police arrival |
| Ground and drone units | Drone operator locates suspect; officers directed to arrest site |
| Post-arrest | Suspect charged with one count of robbery; in custody |
- Location: Country Grocer, 4400-block West Saanich Road
- Accused: Michael Nasby, charged with robbery
- Police tool: Certified drone operator in use since August
As municipal police services adopt more technology, residents and community groups in Saanich may seek clarity on policies governing drone usage, including privacy safeguards and transparency about deployments. For now, police say the aerial unit is a tool to improve officer safety and public protection during time-sensitive incidents such as the recent grocery-store episode.
Officials have not released further details about the investigation, and Saanich Police Service did not specify whether any charges beyond the robbery count are being considered.
