Police watchdog recommends charges against Williams Lake RCMP officer

B.C.’s police watchdog is recommending charges against a police officer following an arrest that was caught on camera in Williams Lake where an officer was seen kicking the suspect.

On Oct. 25, 2020, a man was arrested following a lengthy incident of alleged dangerous driving between Kamloops and Williams Lake, according to a press release issued by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.

The man’s vehicle was eventually stopped on Highway 97 near White Road in Williams Lake, and he exited the vehicle and went down a nearby embankment before stopping. Two officers followed and the interaction occurred before the man was taken into custody.

The witness video of the arrest was posted to social media shortly after the incident and the force’s Chief Supt. Warren Brown quickly issued a statement to say a code of conduct investigation had been launched. The video has since been removed from social media.

Upon completion of the investigation, IIO chief civilian director Ronald MacDonald reviewed the evidence and "determined reasonable grounds exist to believe that one of the involved officers may have committed an offence in relation to the use of force during the arrest.”

READ MORE: Police watchdog called to investigate after video shows Williams Lake officer kicking suspect

In order to approve any charges, the B.C. Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the investigations office, and that prosecution be required in the public interest, according to the IIO.

A report has been forwarded to the B.C. Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.

The investigations office will not be commenting further while the matter is before the B.C. Prosecution Service.

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