Charges possible against RCMP officer in Kamloops arrest after false report
B.C.'s police watchdog believes "reasonable grounds exist" to suggest a member of the RCMP may have committed an offence.
The report from the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has been sent on to the B.C. Prosecution Service for its consideration, meaning charges may stem from the investigation.
The IIO was tasked with looking into an arrest in June 2020. Police were called to a home in Kamloops, B.C., for what was ultimately determined to be a fake report of someone threatening to use a gun.
According to Mounties, they found out later there was no gun, and there had not been any disturbance. They described the case as an incident of public mischief.
A summary made public by the IIO Wednesday said officers got to the house on Newton Street shortly before 11 p.m. on June 23 of last year, and told everyone in the home to get out.
An officer fired what the IIO describes as a "40mm less-lethal round," known colloquially as a rubber bullet, at one of the men as he left. A police dog was also used during the arrest, and the man was seriously injured, the IIO said.
The RCMP said at the time that the man "allegedly did not immediately exit," then "allegedly refused to follow police direction," prior to use of the dog and the rubber bullet.
IIO Chief Civilian Director Ronald MacDonald did not provide details of what was uncovered during the office's investigation, but wrote that the evidence suggested "reasonable grounds… to believe that an officer may have committed offences in relation to the use of force."
Thus, his report was sent on to Crown counsel for its consideration. The prosecution service will only approve charges if there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the IIO's evidence, and if the charges are determined to be in the public interest, the IIO said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.