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Man cleared of charges after alleged incident on bus
Elk Valley RCMP announced today (Jan. 26) that is has completed an investigation into an alleged assault of a five-year-old child on January 23 on a BC Transit bus travelling between Sparwood and Fernie.
“There was found to be no video evidence from BC Transit to assist with the investigation. Working with parents and guardians, police completed step-wise child interviews with the victim, other child witnesses and police spoke with adult witnesses. As previously indicated, there was an allegation of assault where the suspect, who was identified and arrested, had grabbed the arm of a young child and taken her photo,” stated Elk Valley RCMP Detachment commander S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen.
“After speaking with the various witnesses and the victim, police determined that no offence had taken place. Several of the witnesses, including the five-year-old girl sitting next to the man, confirmed that the man had been speaking with a family member over FaceTime and was showing them his daily work/life routine during a dynamic and joyful conversation.”
The man had contact with the young girl on the hand during this conversation, with no intent of harm or risk to the child. An independent witness observed the man use his phone to find a glove for the child, who then shook his hand to thank him, reported S/Sgt. Nielsen.
The child reported seeing the family member on the cell phone. Other witnesses support this information and it is consistent across all interviews. Family of the children involved have been updated and agree with the conclusions of the investigation.
Due to a language barrier, a constable speaking the same language – who had assisted in the arrest and release procedure of the man involved – was once again brought in to update the man as to what the status of the investigation was and that all his conditions were being removed.
To repeat, the man involved has been cleared of any offence. Immigration officials were advised of the file and recognized the man is in Canada legally on a work permit. BC Transit was informed of this update as well.
“These investigations, in the interest of public safety, are acted on quickly when able and this event was no exception. Elk Valley RCMP wish to thank the witnesses for their cooperation during the file, most particularly the man involved, who was cooperative with police from the beginning,” S/Sgt. Nielsen said.
Elk Valley RCMP is now concluding its investigation.
Elk Valley RCMP file photo
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