Man released on bail multiple times re-arrested for home invasion, carjacking

By Cosmin Dzsurdzsa

A Victoria, B.C. man repeatedly arrested after posting bail multiple times has once again been apprehended on home invasion and carjacking charges. 

Seth Packer was arrested and released on bail three times in a row, according to the Victoria Police Department. 

Packer’s latest arrest comes on the heels of a string of incidents, with each alleged offense occurring while he was out on bail for previous charges.

The sequence of events leading to Packer’s latest arrest unfolded Tuesday evening in the North Jubilee area of Victoria. Police responded to reports of a residential break-in and theft in progress. 

According to authorities, a suspect was apprehended a short distance from the scene after being trailed by the occupant of the home he allegedly targeted.

Prior to this incident, Packer had already attracted the attention of law enforcement due to a series of alleged offenses. He was arrested Apr. 21 for attempting to steal an occupied vehicle on Shelbourne St.

The following day, Apr. 22, police allege Packer pushed a woman and stole her car on Johnson St., subsequently causing two motor vehicle collisions and attempting to steal another vehicle before fleeing on foot.

Despite being held in custody after his Apr. 22 arrest, Packer was released following a court appearance on Apr. 23, only to be apprehended again later that same day for the alleged home invasion and attempted carjacking.

Victoria police Chief Del Manak expressed concern over the pattern of offenses attributed to Packer, emphasizing the potential danger posed by repeat offenders to community safety.

“After the same individual caused two motor vehicle collisions, attempted to steal several vehicles and was successful on one of the attempts, and is now entering into peoples’ homes without consent, all in a matter of days, it is a miracle that no one has been seriously hurt or injured,” said Manak. 

“Repeat offenders like this put a significant strain on our resources and pose a risk to community safety. We will continue to work within our means to prevent further harm to the public, which includes advocating for Mr. Packer to remain in custody. Ultimately, that decision is up to the courts.”

Packer is currently being held in custody pending his next court appearance. 

Author

  • Cosmin Dzsurdzsa is a senior journalist and researcher for True North Wire based in British Columbia.