Assault charge recommended after kick

Sights and sounds of Sunday's police protest. Video-Kelly Hayes

Less than a week after coming to Kelowna, the Abbotsford Police Department is ready to recommend a charge.

Their criminal investigation into the January 7 incident involving Kelowna RCMP member Constable Geoff Mantler's arrest of Mr. Buddy Tavares is near completion.

Mantler was caught on video kicking suspect Buddy Tavares in the face.

As a result, the Abbotsford Police Department is announcing that a charge of assault causing bodily harm will be recommended.

Only administrative tasks and the written submission of the Report to Crown Counsel remain.

The Abbotsford Police would like to thank the citizens of Kelowna and the over 40 witnesses that assisted the investigation.

This past Monday, Mantler was suspended from duty with pay until further notice.