An interaction between Coquitlam RCMP and two seniors has prompted an outside investigation by New Westminster Police.
Last Thursday, Mounties in Coquitlam were called to the Best Western on North Road around 10:30 p.m. The caller reported that at a strata annual general meeting being held at the hotel had gotten out of hand and a fight was possibly underway, according to the Coquitlam RCMP.
When officers arrived at the scene, the meeting was quickly shut down but it’s alleged that a couple refused to leave so they were arrested, according to RCMP.
Their arrest was caught on camera and posted online where people criticized the police officers for their alleged rough handling of the pair. The public outcry has prompted an investigation by both the New Westminster Police Department and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission, which is an independent body that investigates complaints against the RCMP – but in this case, the commission’s chairperson initiated the investigation.
Meanwhile, New Westminster Police’s major crime detectives will look into the incident to determine if anything criminal took place.
“As with every investigation, our Major Crime Unit will conduct themselves fairly and impartially while they look at all the evidence which includes speaking with witnesses, speaking with the parties involved, examining video surveillance and following up on any other investigational lead they require,” said acting Sgt. Jeff Scott, spokesperson for the New Westminster Police, in a press release. “We’re aware of the sensitivity of this investigation, and we’ll be providing a Korean speaking police officer to speak with those involved, and any other (resources) that we have available to ensure a fair and through investigation is completed.”
Click here to watch the video.
