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Investigation after man injured by Kelowna police dog during arrest

The police dog was “deployed” in an effort to arrest a man holding what appeared to be a weapon
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The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) (File Photo)

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. is looking into a violent arrest involving a police dog, that took place in Kelowna on May 16.

According to RCMP, officers in unmarked vehicles were following an allegedly stolen vehicle when it pulled over and four people exited about 4 a.m.

All attempted to flee the scene.

Officers along with a police service dog attempted to take into custody one man who was believed to be holding a weapon.

The dog made contact with the man and caused serious but non life-threatening injuries.

Medical attention was provided at the scene and Emergency Health Services were called. The man was transported to hospital for treatment.

The three others were reportedly later arrested without issue.

The IIO was notified shortly after the incident occurred and started an investigation into what took place during the arrest and how the injuries were sustained.

The IIO is asking anyone with relevant information or video footage of the incident to please contact the witness line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.

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@Jen_zee
jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca

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