UPDATE: Police identify suspect in hate incident

UPDATE: 1:30 p.m. Nov. 3

RCMP say they have identified the suspect involved in an alleged hate incident that occurred on a city bus on Halloween evening.

Mounties say public assistance and media reports allowed investigators to determine who the person was.

“Information regarding this person will not be released as this remains an active criminal investigation and no charges have been sworn. Kelowna RCMP continues to pursue all investigational leads while investigators continue their efforts to identify the victims involved,” a RCMP news release stated.

“We understand, it can be difficult for victims of crime to come forward; however, we would like speak to them as part of the investigation and encourage them to contact us,” said Cpl. Tammy Lobb.

If you are a victim of crime and/or trauma and are in need of assistance, please email the Central Okanagan RCMP Victim Services or call them at 250-470-6242. Caseworkers are available Monday through Friday to answer calls and emails. https://www.rdco.com/en/living-here/victim-services.aspx

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Police investigate hate incident on bus
Nov 2, 2021 | 4:40 PM

Some remarks made on a bus are being investigated as a hate incident by RCMP in Kelowna.

RCMP received a report from BC Transit that an incident had occurred on a city bus on the evening of October 31 where an unknown male passenger made racist remarks to a group of female passengers.

“An assault ensued between the man making the remarks and another male passenger before those involved exited the bus. This incident occurred on route 8, bus 6015 near Ziprick Road and Highway 33 at 6:20 p.m. on October 31,” a RCMP news release said

RCMP is working with BC Transit on theinvestigation and officers would like to speak to all of the parties involved and any passengers on the bus who may have witnessed this incident.

“There is no place in our society for racism,” said Superintendent Kara Triance. “Our diversity is what makes British Columbia an incredible place to live and work.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net