It happens all too often, a deer dashing out of a forested area and directly into traffic.

On Sunday, the recipient was Oak Bay’s police chief Andy Brinton. The officer, while off duty, was riding his bicycle on Salt Spring Island when a deer caught him off guard.

The deer ran directly into Briton with significant impact, knocking him from his bike and resulting in a broken clavicle and several broken ribs.

Full Recover Expected

He underwent surgery at a Victoria hospital last night.

Ray Bernoties, Oak Bay police deputy chief, said Britton is expected to make a full recovery.

“We would like to thank the witnesses who stopped and provided assistance as well as Ambulance paramedics and hospital staff,” Britton said.