Suspect in Kelowna transit bus ‘hate incident’ identified

Kelowna RCMP have identified a man who hurled racist slurs at passengers on a city transit bus.

While police have identified a suspect, they have not released his name because the investigation remains active and charges have not yet been laid, according to an RCMP press release. RCMP do not say if the suspect has been arrested.

Police say assistance from the public and media reports helped them identify the suspect.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Man calls passengers on Kelowna bus ‘terrorists’ before fight breaks out

As the investigation continues, police are continuing to identify all the victims involved in the Oct. 31 incident where a man called a group of women "terrorists" and said "it's not a Hindu country."

“We understand, it can be difficult for victims of crime to come forward; however, we would like speak to them as part of the investigation and encourage them to contact us.” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Tammy Lobb said in the release.

As the man left the bus a brief fight ensued between him and someone else on the bus as seen in a video that captured the incident around 6:20 p.m., Oct. 31.

The B.C. Transit bus was travelling route 8 near Ziprick Road and Highway 33.

Jamie Weiss, senior public relations officer with B.C. Transit, said earlier this week the organization was made aware of the incident which was reported by the bus driver, who then checked and confirmed there were no physical injuries.

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"Though incidents of this nature are rare on B.C. Transit buses, the organization takes reports of inappropriate and illegal behaviour, including racist or derogatory comments, within our systems very seriously," Weiss said in a written statement. "If someone is the victim of an inappropriate or illegal activity, or sees something that is inappropriate or illegal on the bus, please tell the operator immediately or call the police."

If you are a victim of crime and/or trauma and are in need of assistance, email the Central Okanagan RCMP Victim Services or call them at 250-470-6242. Case workers are available Monday through Friday to answer calls and emails. 

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