Woman punched by teen at Vernon skatepark

An altercation at the Vernon skatepark yesterday led to a middle-aged aged woman being punched by a teenager.

According to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, the incident began as a dispute between the woman and a group of youths over an allegedly stolen skateboard.

The incident took place at the Polson Park skatepark at roughly 6 p.m. yesterday, March 16.

Police say the woman saw the skateboard on the grass near the skatepark and believed it was stolen from her son the week before. The woman then retrieved the skateboard and was surrounded by a group of youth.

An argument broke out and the woman was struck in the face by one of the teenagers.

"When a third party intervened, the group of youths fled," Vernon North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Tania Finn said in the release.

A video of the incident was posted to the Vernon Rant and Rave (uncensored) Facebook group and quickly generated hundreds of comments. 

RCMP are asking the public for help in identifying the suspect.

He is described as a Caucasian male, 15 years old, approximately 5’5" in height, with long blonde wavy hair. He was wearing a blue sweater.

Anyone with information should call RCMP Const. Derzak at 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com. If you provide information that leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

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