Police watchdog investigating after woman injured during arrest in Vernon

B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating after a woman arrested during an alleged domestic dispute was injured while being escorted into a police cruiser in Vernon.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. confirmed in a media release it is investigating the incident that took place at roughly 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, in the 4000 block of 34A Street in Vernon.

Police received reports of an alleged domestic disturbance and of a male and female screaming. According to RCMP, when officers arrived they found three people at the property, two men and a woman.

One of the men was breaching the conditions of his probation by being in contact with the woman and he was arrested. But, while officers were attempting to take the man into custody the woman allegedly began to interfere.

She was then arrested and put in handcuffs.

While she was being escorted to the police vehicle she was injured. An ambulance then transported her to hospital for treatment. Neither the Vernon RCMP nor the Independent Investigations Office gives details of the woman's injuries.

The Independent Investigations Office is now investigating whether the police's actions are linked to the woman’s injuries.

The IIO is asking anyone who saw, heard or recorded the incident, to contact them at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on its website here.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is an independent civilian oversight agency of the police and investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.

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