Image: Mission RCMP / Mounties in Mission say one of its officers was struck during a Halloween night disturbance.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Unruly disturbance in Mission

Police officer struck with baton in Mission during Halloween night disturbance

Nov 1, 2024 | 11:38 AM

MISSION — Mounties in Mission say one of its officers was struck with a baton during a Halloween night disturbance.

According to a news release from police, Mission RCMP responded to 56 calls for service during the nighttime hours, one of which was an incident near Cedar Street and Cherry Avenue where an estimated 300 youth had gathered around Griner Park and Albert McMahon Elementary School. Police say they received reports of various offences, including youth assaulting another youth, rocks being thrown at a car, fireworks being shot at cars, and fireworks being set off in the direction of buildings.

“Officers did their best to manage the situation, however despite additional resources having been scheduled in anticipation of the higher call volume, the sheer number of persons acting recklessly was overwhelming,” Mission RCMP said.

When an officer attempted to take one youth into his vehicle to wait for a parent to arrive, another group of youth approached the police car, worked to open the doors, and began kicking and spitting on the police car. While another officer was dealing with a different group of youth, one of the youth struck the officer in the face and hand with a baton. Fortunately, that officer was not seriously injured, and the investigation into the assault is ongoing.

Police fielded other 9-1-1 calls last night, one of which involved a witness seeing approximately 100 youth surrounding police – worried that officers were in trouble – while another contacted law enforcement after seeing youth lighting off fireworks right next to police vehicles. The Mission Fire and Rescue Service also assisted by blocking off streets while police worked to disperse the crowd. Some arrests were made, and multiple tickets were issued for a variety of infractions.

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“Mission RCMP thank the public for their calls and concerns during the evening, and also want to thank the youth and adults throughout our communities who contributed to a safe and fun Halloween night in many other neighbourhoods,” police said.

Anyone wanting to report an incident from last night can call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161.