Prince Rupert RCMP are investigating an alleged assault involving a Gitxaała Nation member at the Prince Rupert Safeway on March 3.
Prince Rupert residents have raised concerns and outrage online after several people shared accounts of an incident allegedly involving Safeway security personnel. Security staff are accused of assaulting a customer without reason.
Witness accounts say the customer, a member of the Gitxaała Nation, was waiting for his mother when security confronted him. The situation escalated and the individual was forcefully removed from the store, according to witnesses.
The customer was initially taken into RCMP custody, but has since been release, said RCMP staff sergeant Kris Clark.
“The Prince Rupert RCMP responded to the Safeway for a report of an allegedly unprovoked assault. The suspect was taken into custody by store security prior to police attendance. The suspect was subsequently arrested and transported to cells by police before being released on court-compelling documents with conditions believed necessary to mitigate further conflict. The investigation is ongoing and those involved in the initial detention of the suspect have been cooperating with police.”
The Gitxaała Nation said it will assess the facts to determine next steps..
“We are aware of the concerns of some members of the community. I can assure you that we will look at all aspects of this incident to determine criminality for those involved, if any, and present the findings to the BC Prosecution Service for charge assessment.”
With many witnesses alleging the assault was racially motivated, the Gitxaała Nation said First Nations people deserve the same respect as anyone else.
“Our people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect wherever they are.
Gitxaała Nation will continue to work with the family, the courts, and the RCMP as this matter proceeds. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have video or information is encouraged to come forward so the full truth of what occurred can be understood.” said the Gitxaała Nation.
“The safety and dignity of Indigenous people in our own territories must never be compromised. racist or hateful comments in this discussion. Racism in any form is not acceptable. We encourage respectful dialogue as this matter proceeds.”
In a statement to Vista News, Safeway’s parent company, Sobeys Inc., said it is working with RCMP.
“We are aware of an incident at our Safeway Prince Rupert location. We are cooperating with the RCMP on its investigation. The safety of our customers and teammates is very important to us.”
Prince Rupert RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact them at 250-624-2136.
