Salmon Arm RCMP investigating after photo of assault suspect went viral on Facebook

Two women were taken to the Shuswap Lakes General Hospital by ambulance after they were allegedly assaulted by a stranger. 

The mother of one of the victims, Kathy Koppel, posted photos of the suspect and her vehicle to Facebook, warning others that while driving on Salmon River Road, they were erratically followed, nearly run off the road, and “attacked and beaten by the random woman.”

She said they were treated for concussions, face, eye and teeth damage.

Over 300 people shared Koppel's post.

The following day, March 9, the Salmon Arm RCMP reported that one woman assaulted two others during a “driving incident."

In an online exchange, Koppel said police identified the woman and arrested her, adding that the attention her post received online was "instrumental" in helping the RCMP locate the woman. 

"She should still be in jail — and get her punishment for what she did," Koppel said. 

"My daughter and her friend were very relieved when she was arrested. It’s all very disturbing."

Koppel, her daughter and the friend are all very grateful for the people who reached out to help the police with the investigation, which remains ongoing. 

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