Victoria tent city arrest sees officer injured

Victoria police say an officer was injured Tuesdayduring an arrest at the city's homeless camp.

VicPD says two officers assigned to keep order around the tent city attempted to arrest a woman on an outstanding warrant. The woman fled,officers chased her on foot, and the woman allegedly assaulted an officer during the arrest.

Police say the female officerreceived "non-life threatening injuries" andwastreated in hospital.

VicPD declined to specify the nature of herinjuries citing privacy concerns.However, apolice spokesperson says no weapon was involved.

Police arerecommending a charge of assaulting a police officer.

• Victoria police get $113K for tent city area presence
• Victoria police say more officers needed at tent city
• Neighbours demand 24-7 policing of Victoria homeless camp

Safety around the tent city has been a growing concern in recent weeks.

"We've seen an increase in violence on the site," Insp.Scott McGregor said last week. "And we think that's directly connected to a criminal element that has moved onto that site persons that are trafficking drugs."

Victoria city councillors agreed, Friday, to provide $113,000 in special funds to pay for two officers to keep watch around the clock.

The province tried to shut down the site last monthbut failed to get an injunction to do so.

The province's next court date for an injunction is scheduled for the fall.The campers have until Wednesdayto meet fire safety standardsor the province may seek aninjunction sooner.

With files from Liam Britten