Man with knife held down by security guard, bystander: Kelowna RCMP

Police in Kelowna say a security guard and a bystander pinned down a man who was waving a knife around at a local business.

The incident took place on Monday just after 10 p.m. in the northeast area of the city on Banks Road.

Officers say when they arrived at the business the man was already being held down by security. Police then took him into custody.

Witnesses reported the man was initially asked to leave the property after he became aggressive and spit in the face of a security guard. The man then reportedly pulled out a knife and threatened the security guard when they attempted to arrest him.

Kelowna RCMP says at that time, a witness intervened and helped prevent the man from using the knife.

“Fortunately, the security guard and other bystander were not injured during this act of violence,” said Cpl. Michael Gauthier with Kelowna RCMP. “Our office will continue to work with the BC Prosecution Service to ensure police did everything possible to maintain safety for our community.” 

The 49-year-old suspect from West Kelowna was subsequently arrested for assault, uttering threats, and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

On Tuesday, he was released from custody on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.