Kamloops rock-thrower was known to residents for months

A man recently arrested for hitting a cyclist with a rock was known in the area for months before his arrest.

Alfred Achoba of Canadian Mental Health Association said the same man has been returning to throw rocks at passing vehicles and people or "yelling" at people on Rivers Trail near Halston Bridge.

"I know of a few incidents where he's yelled at people, he's thrown rocks at cars, including staff that work with us," he said.

Kamloops RCMP arrested a man on Monday afternoon, May 29, after an officer saw him throw a rock at a passing cyclist.

She was hit in the head as she rode under the bridge and was taken to hospital, according to a Kamloops RCMP news release. Her condition is not known but police said injuries were not life-threatening. 

We don't know the size of the rock, either.

Comments on social media suggested the man was likely stays at the nearby shelter Moira House, which is operated by Canadian Mental Health Association. Achoba said he is not one of their clients.

"We can't pinpoint whether he lives in that area or if he's transient, but he's well-known in that area," Achoba said.

Police said he was released with conditions and a court date, but no one has been charged yet for the alleged assault.

Kamloops RCMP did not identify either the suspect or the victim. Spokesperson Cpl. Crystal Evelyn did not immediately respond to say whether his conditions bar him from returning to Rivers Trail or whether he's been reported throwing rocks in that area in the past.

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