A man has now been charged in connection with a Surrey, B.C., home invasion that was caught on camera and he was involved in an incident at Peace Arch Hospital later that day.
David William Charles Hoffman was charged on Wednesday with two counts of breaking and entering, assault, two counts of mischief under $5,000 and one count of breaching a release order.
After his arrest on Wednesday, Hoffman was taken to the hospital and while details remain unclear and are under investigation, the BC Nurses Union says it was a chaotic scene and a violent incident took place.
“I understand there was a very serious violent incident that took place. We know that law enforcement was involved,” BC Nurses’ Union President Adriane Gear said.
“We know that there were definitely impacts on our members.”
“I can confirm for you that there was an incident that occurred at a Fraser Health medical facility,” Sgt. Tige Pollock with the Surrey Police Service said.
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“There were RCMP officers, the RCMP Surrey provincial operations support unit officers, that were involved in the actual investigation but once again you’ll have to speak to White Rock RCMP about any injuries to officers.”
The RCMP said one officer sustained minor injuries.
Hoffman has not been charged with any alleged crimes that may have occurred at Peace Arch Hospital.
The BC Nurses Union says the incident at Peace Arch Hospital is just the latest violence they’ve faced and they’re calling for more security.
“Our members have asked for metal detectors. Maybe that’s where we need to go,” Gear said.
“It’s unfortunate but we also know that there’s incidents of gang violence, we’re seeing more weapons.”
Fraser Health says it is providing support to staff, including counselling and support services following the incident.
Hoffman remains in custody, pending his next court date, which is yet to be determined.
The BC Prosecution Service confirmed that Hoffman made an appearance in court on Wednesday evening and has been remanded in custody until March 3, when he will appear in court for a bail hearing.
The service said more charges could be laid as the investigation continues.
Court records show Hoffman has an extensive criminal history, with more than a dozen charges and convictions. Most recently, in December, he was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police and willfully resisting a peace officer. He was released on bail on Jan 2.
The apparently random assault and break-in attempt happened shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the Breakaway Bays community near King George Boulevard and 160th Street.
The homeowners, who were too shaken up to go on camera, told Global News they heard sounds outside their mobile home, when suddenly a suspect rammed through their doorway.
A fight ensued, which then spilled out into the driveway. The homeowners say the man was yelling for him to give him their car keys.
Neighbours say the man then tried to break into two other homes and the community’s common building before police arrived.
Police say the incidents appear random and that the victims do not know the suspect.
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