Police watchdog investigating serious harm claim in Penticton

A police-involved incident where one man suffered injuries in Penticton is under investigation.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) was notified of an incident in which police responded to a call of a man allegedly stabbing someone at the beach on the north end of Skaha Lake.

Police arrived on the scene at about 5:10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, and located the suspect who was in possession of a weapon. While the 911 caller did report someone being stabbed, the B.C. RCMP said there was no indication of any injured people in the area.

The suspect was taken into custody, and while being arrested he sustained injuries that required treatment in hospital.

The IIO was notified of the incident and determined that the injuries met the threshold of serious harm, so an investigation into the matter was launched to determine if police actions or inactions were necessary, reasonable and appropriate for the circumstances, or if they were unwarranted and constituted an offence.

As part of the investigation, the provincial police watchdog wants to gather statements from witnesses. Anyone who saw or has video footage of the arrest is asked to contact the IIO toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or through the IIO website.