RCMP seek witnesses to violent Kelowna arrest
By Castlegar Source
A startlingly violent arrest caught on video by two separate witnesses has Kelowna RCMP requesting any further witnesses come forward to assist in the investigation of the incident in question.
“RCMP investigators are seeking additional witnesses and video of an arrest that occurred in Kelowna last Saturday evening,” said.Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
“On May 30, 2020 just after 6:30 p.m., Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in the 200-block of Bernard Avenue in Kelowna. Front line officers attended the area and located a 30-year-old Kelowna man, intoxicated and inside the vehicle.
“The man was uncooperative with police and was arrested for allegedly obstructing a police officer.”
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“On Monday, June 1, 2020, the Officer in Charge of the Kelowna RCMP Detachment confirmed, that one of the officers seen in a 12-second video, which was widely shared on social media, is the subject of a thorough internal review.
“The Officer in Charge of the Kelowna RCMP Detachment can now confirm that a Statutory and a Code of Conduct investigation has been initiated against the police officer in question. This police officer has been re-assigned to administrative duties. His duty status is subject to continuous review and assessment.
“While investigators have received a copy of the initial video, we understand there are additional witnesses, and/or people in possession of videos which have not yet been turned over to police,” said Shoihet. “Such evidence is instrumental in supporting both the on-going internal investigation, as well as the criminal investigation as it relates to the initial arrest.”
“Anyone who was a witness, or is in possession of video evidence is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net .”
