Additional witnesses, video sought in Kelowna arrest

Kelowna RCMP are seeking additional witnesses and/or video of an arrest made in Kelowna last Saturday evening.

RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the 200 block of Bernard Avenue around 6:30 p.m.

A 30-year-old, intoxicated Kelowna man was inside the vehicle but was uncooperative with police and was arrested for obstructing a police officer.

One of the officers seen in short videos of the event is now the subject of an internal review, the Kelowna RCMP detachment confirmed on June 1.

RCMP also confirm a statutory and code of conduct investigation has also been initiated against the officer in question, who has been re-assigned to administrative duties, 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,”  RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said in a press release issued today, June 5.

“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,” she says.

Anyone who was a witness or is in possession of video evidence is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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