North Vancouver Mountie faces assault charge

A North Vancouver RCMP officer has been charged with assaulting a man in handcuffs during an arrest last year.

The B.C. Prosecution Service says charges were sworn against Const. Hirday Olak on Tuesday in connection with his involvement in an arrest just after midnight on Oct. 8, 2019.

After North Vancouver RCMP were called to investigate a theft from a vehicle complaint, two officers apprehended a man who was seen fleeing from the scene.

Olak allegedly assaulted the man while he was being handcuffed by the two other Mounties.

North Vancouver RCMP launched an investigation after hearing from a fellow officer who expressed concerns with Olak’s use of force during the arrest.

The detachment then forwarded its results to the prosecution service for consideration of charges.

The prosecution service says the charge of assault was approved by an experienced Crown counsel located in a different part of the province who has no prior or current connection with Olak.

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

Olak has not been suspended, but he has been reassigned to administrative duties and North Vancouver RCMP say his duty status is subject to review and assessment. He is scheduled to appear in North Vancouver provincial court in July.

The man who was allegedly assaulted by Olak was later released from custody with no charges being laid, due to insufficient evidence.