Image Credit: Facebook / Charli Fortier

By James Peters, CFJC Today

Police takedown

VIDEO: IIO to probe violent RCMP takedown in Williams Lake after witness video goes viral

Nov 20, 2020 | 11:08 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has launched a probe into the violent arrest of a suspected dangerous driver in Williams Lake.

On October 25, a man was reported driving dangerously in the Kamloops area, and reports suggested he may have had a loaded gun with him.

Later, the suspect fled from RCMP members in Clinton and 100 Mile House, and narrowly missed hitting another officer in 150 Mile House. Mounties ended up using spike belts at two separate locations to get the vehicle stopped, which happened near White Road on Highway 97 in Williams Lake.

With the vehicle incapacitated, the suspect ran down a snowy embankment before responding officers caught up with him.

Video taken by a passerby shows RCMP kicking and tackling the suspect as they took him into custody.

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A day later, North District RCMP Commander Chief Superintendent Warren Brown issued a statement defending the officers, saying the video did not show the entire context of the arrest and the suspect’s non-compliance with orders.

In a release issued Friday (Nov. 20), the IIO says the initial harm suffered by the suspect did not warrant the agency’s involvement.

However, in light of “significant public scrutiny” attracted by video of the arrest, the RCMP detachment requested IIO involvement.

As it launches its investigation, the IIO is looking to speak with anyone who saw, heard or recorded the incident. They are asked to call the IIO at 1 (855) 446-8477.