Citizen tackles suspect after woman assaulted in Penticton public washroom

PENTICTON – A man in his late 20s is in custody after what RCMP say was a random assault on a woman who was visiting Penticton.

A mother and her 19-year-old daughter visiting from Chilliwack were assaulted by a man while using a public washroom at around 1:15 p.m. today, Aug. 30, Penticton RCMP media relations officer Const. James Grandy said in a press release.

The man barged into the washroom and began banging on the stall doors, eventually gaining entry to the daughter’s stall. The mother and daughter were able to drive the man away but not before he punched the daughter several times.

As the two called for help a bystander who saw the man running away was able to give chase and tackled him. Others assisted in detaining the suspect until officers arrived.

The 19-year-old woman suffered minor injuries, police say.

A man is in custody facing charges of assault.

Anyone who might have witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300 and quote file 19-15390, or they can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

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