Image Credit: File photo
October 04, 2016 - 12:48 PM
KELOWNA - A Kelowna man assaulted an Interior Health employee, managed to remove a police baton from a police officer and shrugged off a Taser before he was finally arrested in a dramatic takedown this morning, police say.
Police responded to a call for help from the Interior Health building on Ellis St. at 8:10 a.m. today, Oct. 4, according to a release from Kelowna RCMP Const. Jesse O'Donaghey. He said when an officer arrived, he was 'confronted by a belligerent male suspect' who allegedly assaulted an Interior Health worker who approached him in an attempt to assist and calm the 44-year-old man.
"On arrival, a responding officer was confronted and allegedly assaulted by the man at which time the officer utilized his defensive baton," O'Donaghey says. "During the ongoing altercation, the officer lost hold of the baton, which was picked up by the suspect who proceeded to smash out several windows."
Next they tried a Taser, or conducted electrical weapon, which proved 'ineffective.' The weapon was used again and, along with the arrival of additional officers, helped officers take the man into custody.
Brent Mundle, the acting officer in charge of Kelowna detachment, thanked Interior Health employees for their help.
"I am very grateful for the efforts made by the Interior Health employee and the responding RCMP officers, who fortunately did not sustain any injuries," he said in the releae. "The actions taken to deal with and resolve such a violent and dynamic situation are to be commended. Our efforts will now focus on the investigation."
The man remains in police custody and faces several charges.
If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2016