Protesters in Campbell River

Campbell River

2022-07-08 17:52 PDT

File # 2022-8711

On July 8, 2022, the Campbell River RCMP received multiple calls relating to a group of individuals who were impeding traffic in the Rockland Road area and proceeding toward Dogwood Street in Campbell River. The group of approximately 40 people with 10 vehicles, were walking on the travel portion of the roadway and blocking intersections while demonstrating. Multiple members of the public reported young children were reported travelling in the box of a truck, amongst other things. Police located the group. It was determined that the demonstration was in relation to the death of Jared Lowndes who died during an interaction with police one year prior, the same incident in which Campbell River’s Police Service Dog Gator was killed in the line of duty.

For public safety reasons police were required to conduct traffic control and to keep the peace. Several frustrated motorists made efforts to physically intervene. The demonstrators were unwilling to work with police and occupied both laneways which caused significant traffic congestion.

The demonstrators attended the Campbell River RCMP Detachment where they occupied the entire parking lot and front entrance. Large six foot signs were placed in front of the doorways. Loudhailers were used to express displeasures, while derogatory comments were directed toward police and staff.

Profanities were painted across the parking lot, as well graphic imagery at the front doorway. Campbell River RMCP were later aware that several people were impeded by the demonstration, while others felt unsafe in approaching the Detachment.

The RCMP respects the rights of individuals to peaceful, lawful and safe protest, and we are committed to facilitating a dialogue between all parties. With that said we also respect the right that the public should feel safe while they access police resources. The Campbell River RCMP would like to thank the public for their patience & support relating to the demonstration. In addition to the many expressed condolences for PSD Gator.

The Campbell River RCMP Detachment are investigating the elements of the demonstration today that were criminal in their nature, and ask you contact the Detachment at 250-286-6221 if you have video, photos, or pertinent information relating to these events. Please reference Campbell River RCMP file: 22-8711. If have information the would be helpful but don’t want to be personally involved you can call CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477, or go to http://campbellriver.crimestoppersweb.com

The investigation relating to the death of Jared Lowndes remains the jurisdiction of the Independent Investigation Office.

Released by Sgt.Voller

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