THE Surrey RCMP said in a statement on Tuesday that they are aware of a video circulating on social media, which shows a group of young men surrounding a police vehicle in the Strawberry Hill complex on Sunday, September 11.
The RCMP do not mention the ethnicity of the men, however, they are South Asians as shown on TikTok.
“The officer in the video was responding to a complaint received from on-site security that a vehicle with an extremely loud and disruptive exhaust system had been unnecessarily driving around the parking lot and causing a disturbance for the preceding three hours. One person was served a ticket, as well as a notice and order for a vehicle inspection,” police said.
Cpl. Vanessa Munn said: “The behaviour of the group escalated as the officer re-entered his police vehicle and attempted to leave. Persons involved blocked the police vehicle, attempted to open the driver’s door and could be heard swearing and name calling while filming the incident.”
She added: “The behaviours exhibited in this video by the group of males is unacceptable and impeding a police officer from their duties can result in criminal charges.”
The video that has been circulating around:
Surrey RCMP said they continue to work closely with the complex owners and on-site security to address ongoing nuisance behaviours which have caused residents, businesses and families in the community to express that they feel unsafe attending the location. Some of the ongoing concerns expressed include large gatherings, fights, vehicle stunting and other nuisance behaviour.
Munn pointed out: “Everyone has the right to feel safe going anywhere in our city, especially a large business complex with a movie theater that caters to families. Surrey RCMP will continue with enforcement efforts to curb nuisance behaviour in that complex.”
When The VOICE asked Munn if criminal charges would be laid against anyone, she replied that the investigation is ongoing and there is a possibility that charges will be forwarded to BC Prosecution Service. Those charges could include obstruction of justice.
There could also be a charge of intimidation as it appears that one of the men tried to open the door of the police officer’s vehicle while he was sitting in it.
