Man who waved hammer, 'spewed racial vulgarity' at kids the subject of 22 police reports already this year: RCMP
A man who reportedly threatened people and damaged vehicles with a hammer while "spewing racial vulgarity" is well known to police, Mounties in Kelowna said.
The man arrested Sunday was "being confrontational with citizens" in a busy area of the city that morning, just a short time after being released from police custody.
Officers did not say why he'd been in custody earlier that day, but said he was rearrested following reports that he was waving a hammer at people.
It's alleged the man damaged parked vehicles in the area, near the foot of Bernard Street, and made racist comments at several people, including young children.
The man, who has not been identified by police, is facing charges of causing a disturbance, mischief over $5,000, mischief under $5,000 and uttering threats.
According to police, the man is someone they've had several encounters with.
He's generated more than 22 police files this year alone, police said, noting most of the allegations involve causing a disturbance and mischief. Still, they said, some involve violence.
Mounties did not give details on what violent acts he's alleged to have committed. They said after he was arrested for the most recent report, he "purposely defecated in the rear seat of the police vehicle."
According to police, the man is living on the street. They said he's been offered community outreach supports and to be added to housing wait lists, but he's refused.
They said he's known to have mental health and substance use challenges.
Police used the case to highlight a need for mental health and addiction services, saying they continually arrest people in similar situations, but have no authority to hold them in custody.
"The complexities of their social and personal lives are such that we are stuck in a cycle of catch and release. We have to continuously seek to solve these situations upstream, as the downstream revolving door of enforcement is inadequate to solve this problem," the Kelowna RCMP's Const. Mike Della-Paolera said in a statement Monday.
"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."
The detachment called for alternatives and additional support from all levels of government to address these issues.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.