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. Link to original news release
(http://kelowna.bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2087&languageId=1&contentId=64700)
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,” states S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the BC RCMP. “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