Probe examines police assault claim

Danielle Bell, Victoria BC (Postmedia News) – Victoria police have launched a criminal probe after accusations of assault against two Nanaimo RCMP officers, who also claim they were assaulted in an on-duty incident in Cedar.

Police say two officers responded to a call of a possibly suicidal person at a Cedar home last Wednesday night.

During the interaction with the complainant and several other people at the home, officials say an altercation broke out as arrests were made.

Allegations of assault have been made by Nanaimo RCMP and the people at the house as a result of the altercation, say police.

Police say it did not appear anyone involved in the incident was seriously hurt but did not elaborate on any injuries.

Since the incident is under investigation, police are releasing limited information.

“There’s allegations of assault on both sides, so we’re doing a review of the entire incident,” said Victoria police Sgt. Grant Hamilton. “It’s very difficult in these situations. We have to respect the process.”

Victoria police were requested by Nanaimo RCMP on Tuesday to conduct an independent review of the incident, after one of the people involved made a complaint.

Officials say they are in the preliminary stages of the investigation but are expected to be in Nanaimo by the end of this week. Investigators will interview the officers and people involved, as well as anyone else, such as paramedics, who may have witnessed anything.

To date, no charges have been laid in connection with this case.

Court proceedings are ongoing against two other Nanaimo RCMP officers who face assault-related charges in separate incidents last year.