Repeat offender arrested in Victoria after shopping cart assault: police

Police in Victoria say a man has been arrested after he reportedly struck a food store employee with a shopping cart.

The assault took place on Jan. 4 just before noon, police say, at a food store in the 700-block of Yates Street.

Police say the suspect “…attempted to punch the victim while making racists comments, then proceeded to spit on her and push a shopping cart into her stomach.”

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When they arrived, police say the suspect was quickly located and arrested at the scene. The victim was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, they add.

The suspect is reportedly well known to Victoria police, with hundreds of prior incidents, including “…several incidents resulting in assault-related convictions. “

“The repeat nature of this offender is concerning and attacks like this can impact our collective sense of security,” said Chief Del Manak with the VicPD.

“VicPD is pursuing all the tools in our toolbox to mitigate the risk chronic offenders like this impose, while fully acknowledging the limits that exist within the criminal justice system today.”

Pending a future court date, police say the suspect currently remains in custody. No further details will be shared.