ON November 15 just after 9 p.m., North Vancouver RCMP responded to a report of a disturbance at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 1219 Marine Drive in the District of North Vancouver.
The 911 caller reported a group of 10 to 12 youths causing a disturbance by yelling and swearing at staff, making a mess, and refusing to leave when asked by staff. One of the youths had thrown a chair.
Officers arrived to find the group, aged between 13 and 15, still inside the restaurant. When officers asked them to leave, some of the youths refused and continued to swear and yell at them.
One of the youths repeatedly kicked an officer, and was arrested for assaulting a police officer, obstruction, mischief, and causing a disturbance.
After the officers de-escalated the situation, a number of the teens obstructed officers by providing false names. Officers eventually obtained the youths’ contact information in order to contact their guardians. Eventually, the youths departed.
The youth who was arrested also provided false identity information, but after officers identified her and obtained her guardians’ contact information, she was released. The officer who was kicked was not seriously injured.
“We are aware that a brief portion showing the end of the incident has been widely circulated on social media,” said Sgt. Peter DeVries on Thursday. “We have obtained video surveillance that shows the entire incident, and while our investigation continues, our Youth Support Unit is taking next steps to work with the youths and their families in partnership with the North Shore Restorative Justice Society.”
He added that that follow up had already begun and emphasized that the detachment’s approach to youth in these types of situations focuses initially on ensuring public safety through de-escalation, and then officers follow up using principles of dialogue, reparation and healing.
North Shore Restorative Justice Society is a non-profit, charitable organization that aims to address the impacts of crime and conflict through processes that seek to meet the needs of the victims, offenders and their communities. Based on the values of accountability and respect, the restorative justice process provides youth and others with an alternative to the Criminal Court.
Click here for more information about how North Vancouver RCMP works with North Shore Restorative Justice.
