For the first time since its inception, the Independent Investigations Office has made a report to Crown counsel, which now leaves it to the Crown to determine whether charges should be laid against a Creston RCMP officer.
In a review of an incident at a Creston pub on Oct. 6, 2012, the chief civilian director report indicates that “an officer may have committed an offence under any enactment,” according to a press release issued last week.
“At approximately 01:00 hours (1 a.m.), Creston RCMP attended a local business in response to a complaint,” the release says. “While police were dealing with the situation, an adult male became involved and a physical altercation ensued. This resulted in the male sustaining serious facial injuries. He was transported to a medical facility and was provided medical care.”
Following the incident, which became a provincewide news story, Creston detachment commander Staff Sgt. Bob Gollan wrote a letter published in the Advance. In it, he thanked “the many people who were at the bar when this incident took place and have come forward as they are completely shocked on how mainstream media is currently relaying a completely warped and untrue rendition of what occurred that night.
“They are coming forward with the true version of what occurred and are providing this to the Delta police investigative team. This true version of the facts is verified by the security video tape that shows the entire incident.”
Several days later, Gollan reported to Creston town council that he considered the videotape showed “a textbook illustration” of how to respond to a confrontation in a large group situation in a bar.