Vernon RCMP arrest man taking pictures in childrens park against probation orders

Vernon RCMP have arrested a man near a children's park who was on court orders to stay away from children.

58-year-old Richard Slobodian was arrested on June 6 after an off-duty RCMP officer reported seeing a suspicious vehicle parked near Creekside Park in Coldstream. The off-duty officer was able to identify the driver, and knew he was breaching his probation order of not being within 100 meters of any park where a person under the age of 16 could be present. 

Slobodian was allegedly taking pictures of people at the skate park but quickly moved to another nearby park. The off-duty officer followed Slobodian in his vehicle to ensure the public was safe, and kept an eye on Slobodian's car until marked RCMP vehicles arrived.

Slobodian now faces charges of failing to comply with a probation order. Court records show a lengthy history of failing to comply with orders.

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