Bystanders step-in to subdue assault suspect
Area of assault at Mill Street and Queensway (Photo credit: Google Maps)
Some Good Samaritans came to the defence of a woman who got attacked for no apparent reason in downtown Kelowna.
RCMP received an initial report of a dozen people beating up a man on Mill St at Queensway at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12.
“As officers were being dispatched, additional information was provided when it was determined that a male suspect had in fact punched a female stranger in the head and was currently being held down by several bystanders until officers arrived,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera said.
Several officers attended and the suspect was arrested.
“Some preliminary information suggests that female victim was walking on the sidewalk and talking on her cellphone when the unknown male suddenly started yelling and swearing at her,” the officer added. “The suspect then began following behind her and without provocation swung at her, knocking her phone to the ground. After spitting at her and grabbing her hair, several bystanders jumped in to help the victim who suffered minor physical injuries from the assault.”
The man has been charged with assault and mischief and was remanded in custody until a court appearance.
“We never ask or encourage our members of the public to become physically involved when a crime is taking place,” Della-Paolera said. “However, in this particular case, the actions of these individuals assisted someone in need, stopped the assault from continuing and allowed police to make an immediate arrest.”
The RCMP believe this was an isolated incident and is asking the public if you witnessed this assault and have not yet spoken to a police officer or have cell phone recordings, please contact the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300 and reference file number 2023-39940.