RCMP arrest woman after ‘shocking’ incident

Police say an unprovoked attack on several family members in Kelowna is another example of why more supports are needed for people with mental health and addictions issues.

On Monday, Sept. 26, at 2:40 p.m. RCMP received a call that an unknown female had assaulted a mother and her two adult children while attempting to steal their vehicle at a parking lot in the 200 block of Rutland Road South in Kelowna. The female then ran away with the keys to the car.

The victim told police the female suspect approached her as she was exiting her vehicle and struck her in the torso with her knee, grabbing her vehicle keys. Police say the victim’s brother and 79-year-old mother exited the vehicle at which point the suspect told them ‘I have a knife and I’ll stab you.’

The suspect then attempted to enter the driver’s seat of the vehicle but the family was able to stop her. The suspect ran off, but returned seconds later and again attempted to enter the driver’s seat of the vehicle. This time the suspect grabbed the mother’s cane from her hand and struck the victim’s brother twice. The suspect also struck the victim with the cane and fled on foot once police were called.

When RCMP arrived they located the suspect who was inside a business on Gray Road. The female suspect, a Kelowna resident, was arrested and is now facing charges of robbery, assault and uttering threats.

“This unprovoked attack on an innocent family again demonstrates our need for more supports for those with complex issues and dealing with their mental health and substance use issues. We are all extremely grateful no one was severely injured in this shocking incident,” said RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer.

If anyone witnessed the incident and has yet to speak with officers, contact the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300 and reference police file number 2022-61045.