Vernon RCMP officers assaulted, bear sprayed

A man and a woman are facing numerous possible charges after two Vernon RCMP officers were allegedly assaulted, and one doused with bear spray, last week.

The officers were on patrol in the 3000 block of 27 Street in Vernon shortly before 6 p.m., Thursday, June 17, and spotted a man known to have several outstanding warrants for his arrest, according to an RCMP media release.

One of the officers approached the man and told him he was under arrest.

As the officer attempted to arrest the man, the suspect resisted, RCMP said. A woman, who was with the suspect assaulted the officer while the man discharged bear spray in the officer’s face.

When a second police officer arrived on scene to assist, they were struck several times by the woman, police said. A B.C. Sheriff and City of Vernon employee intervened to assist police with gaining control of the man and woman.

"A physical confrontation with two assaultive individuals is an incredibly dangerous situation for any police officer to face," said Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. 

A 21-year old woman was released from custody. The 25-year-old man, who remains in custody, faces a number of potential criminal charges. Both individuals are from Vernon and known to police. The incident is under investigation.

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