An independent investigation is under way into a video deleted while in the possession of the RCMP in Meadow Lake.
The investigation involves a case from the early morning of Friday, July 21 in Meadow Lake. At around 4 a.m. Meadow Lake RCMP were dispatched to an altercation at a residence in the city; on arrival, members located an adult female with minor injuries outside the residence.
Two responding members received minor injuries during an altercation with an adult male at the residence; neither required treatment. The man was arrested and appeared in Meadow Lake Provincial Court July 24 on charges of assault and two counts each of resisting arrest and assaulting a peace officer. His next court date is late August.
RCMP are reporting that after the initial incident, it was learned the altercation between the accused and members of the RCMP was recorded on a cell phone by a witness. The phone was seized, and it is alleged an altercation occurred between the witness and one of the members.
According to the RCMP news release, while in the care of the RCMP it was later discovered the video had been deleted.
The news release states a separate RCMP investigation will now examine the circumstances surrounding deletion of the video and the alleged altercation between the witness and the RCMP member. As per RCMP policy, the RCMP has asked the Ministry of Justice to appoint an independent observer to assess the impartiality of the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing and RCMP say they are unable to provide further details.
