WARNING: This story contains a graphic description of an attack.
Kelowna RCMP say three youths were arrested and released on strict conditions Tuesday for their part in an attack on a 13-year-old girl that was widely circulated on video.
All three arrested are under the age of 18, according to Sgt. Laura Pollock. The three are among five “aggressors” identified by investigators, she said.
“No one has been charged yet. We’re in the early stages of the investigation,” said Pollock. “Our general investigative support team continues to investigate, including making any outstanding arrests.”
The attack happened at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park on Sept. 27 at around 8:30 p.m. and was witnessed by approximately 30 youths, according to Pollock.
CBC News has reviewed the video. It involves a single girl being surrounded by a number of other teenagers, many of whom are appearing to film a verbal altercation.
The girl is thrown to the ground and punched in the head by multiple people, after which she has dirt or sand thrown on her.
RCMP in the Okanagan are investigating a violent and public attack on a teen girl. As Brady Strachan reports, it happened Friday in a Kelowna park. Video of the incident has been circulating in the community.
As the girl lies on the ground, not moving after the attack, a number of others continue to throw dirt at her and yell.
Pollock said the age of the victim and assailants limits how much information police are able to release.
Pollock thanked two unnamed youths — one who called police and one who attempted to stop the assault — and issued a plea to stop sharing video of the assault.
“I know from my work with victims that have been exploited through imagery and continuous circulation of video and photos when they are a victim of crime that it has profound and lasting impacts,” she said. “The video is degrading and an attempt to humiliate.”
RCMP are asking anyone with information about the assault, including any witnesses who have yet to speak with investigators, to come forward.