Kelowna, B.C., officer linked to violent arrest now on administrative duty

An RCMP officer has been taken off patrol after being involved in a violent arrest that was captured on video by bystanders in Kelowna, B.C.

Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet says a statutory code-of-conduct investigation is underway into the officer's actions and he has been reassigned to administrative duties.

The head of the Kelowna detachment, Supt. Brent Mundle, said earlier this week that video of officers responding to reports of an intoxicated man "are shocking to many people," but they don't show everything.

Two officers were dealing with what the Mounties say was an unco-operative 30-year-old when video footage shows a third officer running over and repeatedly punching the restrained man in the head.

The video shows the officers struggling with the suspect for at least 35 seconds before the third RCMP officer arrives.

WATCH | A Mountie arrives on the scene and sprints toward his fellow officers and the suspect:

Video shows RCMP officer repeatedly punching a man who is being restrained by officers

4 years ago

Duration 0:15

This video of an arrest by Kelowna RCMP has resulted in an internal investigation into the officer's actions.

The suspect was treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

RCMP announced Thursday that Mundle had been transferred out of the detachment but said his departure had nothing to do with the video.

"Transfers such as these take significant time and pre-planning prior to initiation," Shoihet said in an email.

The officer linked to the video has served in Kelowna for three years and his status remains under "continuous review and assessment," Shoihet said.