Kelowna RCMP arrest repeat offender for threatening people with hammer

A Kelowna man with a history of run-ins with Kelowna RCMP is heading to court today after his latest arrest.

Police were alerted that a man was being confrontational with people and waving a hammer at 11:30 a.m. yesterday, Aug. 7, on the walkway at the foot of Bernard Avenue by Okanagan Lake.

He had been released from custody earlier that day.

“The man was waving a hammer at people and is accused of causing damage to parked vehicles,” an RCMP news release says. “The man was also spewing racial vulgarity at many people, including young children with their families."

The man is homeless, has mental health and substance use issues and has resisted efforts to help him or to get him housed.

READ MORE: Kelowna RCMP say to leave prolific offenders and crime enforcement to them

So far this year, Kelowna RCMP have opened 22 files on him. He’s now being charged with causing a disturbance, three cases of mischief over $5,000, two under $5,000 and uttering threats.

“This is an example of the challenges police are dealing with every day,” Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Const. Mike Della-Paolera wrote in the press release. “We are continually arresting individuals for repeat criminal offences but have no legal authorities to hold them in custody and the complexities of their social and personal lives are such that we are stuck in a cycle of catch and release.

“Without well functioning and robust mental health and addiction services through mandated programs, individuals such as this person are going to be landing right back into our cells in no time and the revolving door process starts all over again.”

Kelowna RCMP recently released the identities of two prolific offenders who had 68 charges laid or recommended against them.

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