Kelowna man may face charges after starting fight with homeless person

A confrontation between a Kelowna resident and two homeless men earlier this month led to knife wounds to the resident but possible charges as well.

The incident happened at about 11:15 p.m. Sunday, July 2, in the 2100 block of Vasile Road, according to an RCMP media release issued today, July 6.

"Investigators determined that an upset resident confronted two individuals experiencing homelessness and then proceeded to berate and assault one of them by pushing him to the ground," reads the release. "The other male brandished a knife."

The resident took a couple of kicks at the man with the knife which resulted in two cuts to his own leg.

“The male holding the knife, along with the other individual who was pushed, used explicit language repeatedly yelling at the man to leave them alone and get back in his vehicle,” the news release says. “The resident who confronted the individuals retreated and left the area.”

The man with the knife was arrested but released while the investigation continues.

The resident was treated in hospital for minor injuries and released.

“We have high quality video and audio of the incident and it’s abundantly clear to us what happened,” Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Michael Gauthier said in the release.

“We are still awaiting a fulsome statement from the man who sustained injuries to his leg and we will recommend charges to the BC Prosecution Service against anyone who has met the elements of a criminal offence.”

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