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Kelowna man tasered twice before police able to subdue him

During the ongoing altercation, the officer lost hold of the baton, which was picked up by the suspect who smashed several windows.
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RCMP

It took tasering a Kelowna man two times Tuesday morning before Mounties were able to put a stop to what sounds like a dangerous rampage.

The Kelowna RCMP responded Oct. 4  at 8:10 a.m., to a report of a disturbance and related assault committed inside the Interior Health building on Ellis Street in downtown Kelowna.

"Police arrived on scene and were confronted by a belligerent male suspect who had reportedly assaulted one of the Interior Health employees," said Const. Jesse O'Donaghey, in a press release.

"The Interior Health employee was allegedly assaulted, when they approached the man in attempt to assist and calm him."

On arrival a responding officer was confronted and allegedly assaulted by the man at which time the officer utilized his defensive baton.

"During the ongoing altercation, the officer lost hold of the baton, which was picked up by the suspect who proceeded to smash out several windows," said O'Donaghey.

An attempt to subdue the male with the deployment of a Conducted Electrical Weapon was made, however was proved ineffective. A further deployment of a CEW and the arrival of additional officers to the scene contributed to the suspect being taking into police custody without further incident.

"I am very grateful for the efforts made by the Interior Health employee and the responding RCMP officers, who fortunately did not sustain any injuries," said acting OIC Insp. Brent Mundle.

"The actions taken to deal with and resolve such a violent and dynamic situation are to be commended. Our efforts will now focus on the investigation."

The suspect, a 44-year-old Kelowna man, remains in police custody at this time and potentially faces several  charges.

If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.