Male Accuses RCMP Of Assault

On August 28, 2005 Merritt RCMP were alerted by Merritt RCMP Victim Services that a 25 year old native male from the Merritt area was alleging to have been picked up in Merritt by an on duty police officer in a marked police car, taken to a remote area and then assaulted by that officer in the presence of a second on duty RCMP Officer and an on duty Auxiliary Constable. The male was then left to make his own way back on foot to Merritt, a distance of approximately 10 kilometres.

On receipt of this information, without a complaint from the alleged victim, an investigation was ordered by NCO i/c Merritt Detachment and assigned to a senior RCMP officer of Merritt Detachment who located and interviewed the victim. The native male was suffering from injuries to his head, face and abdomen. He provided a statement regarding this incident which is alleged to have occurred at approximately 1900 hours on August 18, 2005.

These allegations are being treated seriously and a criminal investigation has been turned over to investigators from South East District and E Division Internal Affairs Unit of the RCMP to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.

A location near Merritt is being treated as a crime scene and all avenues of investigation are being pursued.

An internal RCMP investigation into the incident has also been initiated.

The police officers named as the suspect(s) in this incident have been placed on Administrative Leave pending further investigation while the Auxiliary Constable has had his peace officer status revoked.

Persons who may have information regarding this incident are asked to contact Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS.