A Fernie man is facing multiple criminal charges following a confrontation with RCMP officers during a “keep the peace” call on Thursday, Jan. 15.
Elk Valley RCMP say officers were called at about 2:26 p.m. to a home in the 1100 block of 1st Avenue to stand by while a tenant safely removed personal belongings following a dispute with the homeowner.
RCMP say such calls are common and typically involve officers standing by to ensure all parties can leave safely.
However, officers allege the situation escalated quickly while the complainant removed their belongings.
According to the RCMP, the homeowner, believed to be intoxicated, became increasingly agitated toward officers, yelling and swearing and throwing objects in their direction.
Officers were initially able to de-escalate the situation through communication.
After the complainant had left and officers were returning to their vehicles, the homeowner exited the residence and exposed himself to the officers from the porch.
Police say the man removed his pants, danced partially nude, and bent over, further exposing himself, while officers attempted to leave.
The man then began throwing items, including pieces of drywall, toward the officers and their vehicles.
As officers attempted to leave again, RCMP say the man rushed them, struck the side window of one vehicle, and then broke the front windshield of another patrol vehicle.
Officers exited their vehicles and arrested the man for mischief.
During the arrest, police allege the man threatened one officer, stating, “I am going to strangle you and watch you die,” and continued to kick and strike at officers.
Additional officers were called to assist, and the man was eventually handcuffed and placed in a patrol vehicle.
Police say he continued kicking the rear door with enough force to bend the door frame.
He was later transported to cells, where he was lodged with the assistance of four officers.
RCMP say the man suffered self-inflicted injuries during the incident, which were treated by attending officers.
No police officers were injured.
Scott Bell of Fernie was charged on Jan. 16 with mischief, obstruction, uttering threats to a police officer, and assaulting a police officer.
Police say Bell was detained following a bail hearing the next day and was in the custody of B.C. Corrections.
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