Update: May 1, 2019, 4:30 p.m.
A Kelowna court judge says Harold Giffen Nyren needs to undergo a 14-day assessment of his mental state.
That was the decision after Nyren appeared in court Wednesday (May 1) afternoon, three days after he allegedly tried to snatch a baby from its mother in Kerry Park.
Nyren led Kelowna RCMP on a foot chase Sunday afternoon, eventually diving into Okanagan Lake and stripping off his clothes. After police finally captured and arrested the naked fugitive, he was charged with one count of assault and one count of willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer.
A former B.C. hockey player has been charged in connection with an alleged baby snatching incident in Kelowna Sunday.
Court files identify Harold Giffen Clarkson Nyren, 30, of Calgary, as having been charged with assault and wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer.
The incident unfolded Sunday afternoon when a man allegedly grabbed a small child being held by its mother on the waterfront at Kerry Park.
After a struggle the man then jumped into Okanagan Lake and swam away.
Mounties then attempted to negotiate with the man who was then resting on a log. Kelowna fire crews were able to help the RCMP arresting the man without further incident.
Police say the child was unharmed.
According to hockeydb.com, Nyren played for the Kamloops Blazers between 2008 and 2010 before playing for the Abbotsford Heat for the 2010-11 season.
He played for American teams and the University of Calgary between 2010 and 2017 before heading to France for the last few seasons.
READ MORE: Alleged Kelowna baby snatcher in custody
Giffen was scheduled to appear at provincial court in Kelowna Tuesday.
He remains in custody.
More to come.
To report a typo, email:
newstips@kelownacapnews.com.
@KelownaCapNews
newstips@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
