North Vancouver RCMP officer charged with assault

A North Vancouver RCMP officer has been charged in relation to a 2019 incident, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced on Tuesday.

In the report, the BCPS said the charges stem from an incident on October 8, when, just after midnight, North Vancouver RCMP officers were called to investigate a theft from vehicle complaint.

According to police, the suspect allegedly fled and was located nearby by two officers. “While two officers were handcuffing the man, Const. [Hirday] Olak allegedly assaulted him.”

Ultimately, the man was not charged in the theft from vehicle incident, as there was “insufficient evidence” to do so.

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Following the incident, police said another officer came forward, expressing their concerns with the use of force by Olak during the incident.

“Immediately upon learning of these allegations, statutory and code of conduct investigations were launched,” police said. 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.

On Tuesday, the BCPS said one charge of assault has been approved against Olak in connection with his involvement in the October 2019 incident.

“As police, we are expected to enforce and uphold the law and investigate where someone is believed to have broken it,” said North Vancouver RCMP Supt. Ghalib Bhayani. “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.”