Photo: Brendan Kergin

Kamloops RCMP officer Mat Van Laer (far left), joined Glen and Jason Warner at a press event Wednesday, July 8 at Riverside Park.

The Kamloops RCMP detachment says last week's assault of a security guard in Riverside Park is an example of how its internal quality assurance and accountability measures "work quickly and effectively." 

Glen Warner was sucker-punched on July 2 while on duty. His assailant, 33-year-old Matthew Santoro of Surrey, was charged yesterday (July 8) with assault causing bodily harm.

Warner's son Jason was initially vocal about police, specifically Const. Christopher Squire, not taking his dad's case seriously. Jason says Squire told his father "to drop it" and that "it probably wasn't going to court."

However, the Warners have since applauded local Mounties for their quick work on the file, specifically Staff Sgt. Edward Preto, who led the response in capturing Santoro. 

"This was a case where the clients were not satisfied with the initial service they received. They reported this to an RCMP supervisor and the situation was immediately rectified. The case was effectively investigated and resolved to charges. The family has since publicly commended the RCMP for the fast and effective response to their issues," writes Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay in an email to Castanet.

Pillay notes the specifics of the interaction between Warner and Squire are still under review, and that every act of alleged violence is a priority investigation.

"Responding officers often make quick assessments of situations on their initial attendance at a call for service. However, these decisions are always reviewed by supervisors and when warranted corrective actions are taken," Pillay says.

Squire was in the news last month for an unrelated incident. The officer is charged with dangerous driving stemming from a December 2018 police pursuit in Westsyde. Squire is scheduled to make his first court appearance on July 30 in Kamloops Provincial Court.

Pillay thanks the community for helping them track down Santoro.

"Successful investigations almost always require the assistance of the public. As usual, the citizens of Kamloops supported this case by calling in tips and providing witness information," he says.

Santoro's case was heard in a Kelowna courtroom yesterday. He's been released for now and is due to be in Kamloops Aug. 10 for an arraignment hearing.