By Canadian Press

Three of five aggressors arrested after violent B.C. youth swarming: police

Oct 2, 2024 | 1:37 PM

KELOWNA, B.C. — Police say they have identified five attackers in a violent youth swarming captured on video Friday in Kelowna, B.C.

A statement from RCMP says the five were among about 30 youth who were at Gyro Beach on Okanagan Lake during the attack on a girl, who sustained injuries.

The Mounties say they have arrested three of the aggressors, who have since been released on “strict conditions” with monitoring to ensure their compliance.

Police are also asking people to stop sharing video of the assault, which has been circulating online, saying it’s degrading and humiliating for the victim.

The video shows a girl grabbing the victim and shoving her to the ground before another female punches her several times about the head, while others in the crowd kick at the girl then laugh as she lies immobile on the ground.

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A statement from RCMP Sgt. Laura Pollock says two youth called police and attempted to intervene during the assault.

It says those youth “showed compassion and made the right decision” among more than 30 other people who were “standing around, watching and taking video.”

Police say they’re working with partners including the City of Kelowna, the school district and B.C.’s Ministry of Children and Family Development to build an “early intervention and prevention approach” to identify and connect at-risk youth to support services.

“Collectively as parents, educators, law enforcement, support workers, and partners in our community it is our responsibility to continue the conversation and efforts to stop youth crime,” the statement says.

“We know there is a distinct relation to the youth who commit the majority of violent crimes and those who have experienced some form of trauma, abuse, bullying and mental health diagnosis at a young age,” it adds.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 2, 2024.

The Canadian Press