Kamloops RCMP officer sent to hospital after altercation with suspect

A Kamloops RCMP officer was sent to hospital this afternoon after an altercation while making an arrest.

Around 2:17 p.m. today, Feb 11, the officer responded to reports of a theft at a business downtown, according to an RCMP press release.

When the report was made, the suspect was being followed out of the store at 4 Avenue and Lansdowne Street by the caller until an officer arrived.

The suspect allegedly stole merchandise from the downtown store. He was described as wearing camo jogging pants and a black and grey hoodie.

The officer called for backup shortly after responding to the incident, "reporting he was injured following an altercation with the suspect."

A police dog later assisted in arresting the suspect, leaving him also injured and needing medical attention.

"A 19-year-old man from Kamloops was arrested for offences, which included allegedly assaulting a police officer," RCMP media relations officer Const. Crystal Evelyn said in the release.

Both the officer's and the suspect's injuries were non-life-threatening and no weapons were involved in the incident, RCMP said.

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