5-year-old boy and parents traumatized during home invasion in Esquimalt

ESQUIMALT, B.C. – Police in Victoria say a five-year-old boy and his parents suffered the effects of pepper spray during a terrifying home invasion in the middle of the night.

Detectives say four masked men entered a townhouse in Esquimalt and allegedly pepper sprayed a man in the face as he tried to protect his family.

Police say the man’s wife called 911 and screamed for help, apparently causing the suspects to flee the quiet neighbourhood at about 4 a.m. Saturday.

Det. Const. Kris Rice says witnesses reported that the men escaped in a dark green or black SUV similar to a Jeep Cherokee, with flashy wheels and a loud engine exhaust.

In West Vancouver, police were called to a home on Sunday after a resident reported that someone kicked in the door of a ground-level suite, grabbed some items and demanded money before leaving in a waiting vehicle.

Police say two men and a woman were arrested about three hours later for what they believe was a targeted attack. (The Canadian Press)

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