Kelowna’s commanding police officer says three teen suspects have been arrested and released on strict conditions after a violent assault on a girl was captured on video last Friday and widely shared on social media.
Mounties have said the attack was one of several incidents of youth crime, including assault and mischief, near a beachfront park in the city.
In an update Wednesday, Kelowna RCMP Sgt. Laura Pollock said about 30 youth witnessed the attack at Gyro Beach on Lakeshore Drive at about 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 27. Most failed to intervene, instead using their phones to record the assault. As police arrived, the perpetrators and witnesses fled.
“This investigation involves youth victims and aggressors,” said Pollock in a statement. “I am limited to what I can say due to the Privacy Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.”
However, Pollock said she wanted to thank the two youth who phoned police and tried to intervene: “Of the 30-plus people there standing around, watching and taking video, you showed compassion and made the right decision.”
Pollock said investigators worked around the clock reviewing video and talking to witnesses, and have identified all five aggressors. On Tuesday, three of the five were arrested and released on conditions, and they will be monitored to make sure they comply and show up in court.
“We are asking everyone to please stop sharing and circulating the video,” said Pollock. “I know from my work with victims that have been exploited through imagery that continuous circulation of video and photos when they are a victim of crime has profound and lasting impacts.
“The video is degrading and the intent is to humiliate.”
Pollock warned sharing the evidence outside the police process does nothing to help the community address violence or prosecute those who perpetuate it.
She said Kelowna RCMP are working with the school district, the John Howard Society, the Children and Family Development Ministry and other community partners to identify and connect at-risk youth with support and services.
“Collectively as parents, educators, law enforcement, support workers and partners in our community, it is our responsibility to continue the conversation and efforts to stop youth crime,” said Pollock. “We will continue engaging children at a younger age and ensuring those who have complex needs are receiving the social and community supports they require.”
Pollock said it’s clear most of the youth who commit violent crimes “have experienced some form of trauma, abuse, bullying and mental health diagnosis at a young age,” and early intervention is key.
Investigators believe several other acts of violence went unreported in Kelowna last weekend, and are asking people to “take an active stand against violence” by reporting it right away.
Anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken to police is encouraged to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
With files from The Canadian Press
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