A North Van RCMP officer has been charged with assault.
Cst. Hirday Olak of North Vancouver RCMP was charged with one count of assault today.
This afternoon, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced that Constable Hirday Olak, of the North Vancouver RCMP has been charged in relation to an incident from 2019.
On October 8, 2019 shortly after midnight, frontline North Vancouver RCMP officers were called to investigate a theft from vehicle complaint.
The suspect allegedly fled and was located nearby by two officers. While two officers were handcuffing the man, Cst. Olak allegedly assaulted the man.
The man was not charged in the theft from vehicle incident because of insufficient evidence.
Later, another police officer came forward expressing concerns with the use of force used by Olak.
An investigation was launched and Cst. Olak was reassigned to administrative duties and remains as such.
His duty status is subject to continual review and assessment.
The results of a criminal investigation conducted by the RCMP were submitted to the BCPS for consideration of appropriate charges.
“Reporting a colleague is a difficult position to be in, but the decision to do so is what we expected and integral in maintaining public trust and confidence,” said Superintendent Ghalib Bhayani, Officer in Charge of the North Vancouver RCMP.
