Bystanders physically restrained an intoxicated Ontario man accused of assault in West Kelowna Thursday afternoon (Aug. 22).
The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. at the Rotary Dog Park on Gellatly Road when a verbal exchange between the suspect and a woman turned violent.
Following the attack, witnesses say the man tossed the victim's belongings into Okanagan Lake.
“As bystanders began to gather in an effort to prevent the suspect from leaving, the victim called a family member who attended the scene and confronted the suspect to await the arrival of police,” says RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“It is believed that the suspect proceeded to assault that family member, who then physically restrained the suspect, with the support of bystanders until police could arrive on scene.”
The victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the attack.
The 33-year-old suspect faces numerous charges. He was held in police custody before making his first court appearance Friday (Aug. 23).
— Wayne Moore, Castanet
