Stock photo courtesy of the Kelowna RCMP

By Liam Verster

Five youth involved in attack

Kelowna youth assault perpetrators identified, three arrested

Oct 2, 2024 | 1:23 PM

The aggressors in the assault at Gyro Beach have been identified, and a few of them have been apprehended.

Kelowna RCMP said the violent assault occurred at the park on Lakeshore Drive at approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and involved five youth attacking a teen girl.

Police said the attack was witnessed by approximately 30 youth, two of whom tried to intervene and called police, while others recorded the incident.

Kelowna RCMP’s General Investigative Support Team reviewed the video and have identified all five of the perpetrators.

Three of them were arrested Tuesday, Oct. 2, and were released on strict conditions. Police said they were being monitored to make sure were complying.

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Police continued to investigate and track down the other two youth involved.

The video of the assault was shared online after the attack, and police asked the public to stop circulating the video or photos on social media.

“The video is degrading and the intent is to humiliate,” Cpl. Michael Gauthier of the Kelowna RCMP said.

“The sharing of evidence can negatively impact witnesses that we have yet to interview and the prosecution of this case. While the conversation and work around ending violence is paramount, the continuous sharing of this video is not aiding in a collective stand against violence.”

Gauthier thanked the witnesses for their efforts to stop the assault and call police, adding the Community Youth Safety Officers continue to work with the School District and other community partners to educate youth on making the right decisions and on how to report crimes and provide evidence. He added police and partners were also working on establishing early intervention and prevention approach to identify and connect at risk youth to supports and 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,” Gauthier said.

“We will continue engaging children at a younger age and ensuring those who have complex needs are receiving the social and community supports they require.”

The investigation into the assault remains open, and anyone with information on the incident and who have yet to speak to police are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file #2024-57168.