A coordinated effort between the Kelowna RCMP Street Enforcement UNIT (SEU) and the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team (SED ERT) was needed to apprehend a 30-year-old man who is now accused of crimes related to multiple incidents in the Central Okanagan.
On January 22nd at 8:16 a.m., RCMP responded to a report of a road rage incident where an alleged assault with pepper spray occurred. That motorist, along with his passenger, escaped the assailant with only minor injuries from the chemical spray after they locked their doors, rolled up their windows and drove away.
On January 23rd, the SEU, with support from the SED ERT, shot and arrested the suspect who was taken into police custody outside the CIBC in the 2100 block of Harvey Ave.
John Michael Aronson, a Kelowna born man, has now been formally charged with seven counts, which includes assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, and driving while disqualified. He has been remanded into custody and is waiting for his first court appearance.
Though Aronson is in custody, the investigation is still active and remains ongoing. Anyone with information, video, or photos about the incident are encouraged to contact the Kelowna RCMP detachment at (250)762-3300.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is continuing their investigation to determine whether police actions or inactions are linked to the man's injuries that occurred during the arrest.
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