Kelowna Man Convicted of Assaulting Police Officer, Maiming K9 to Be Released

Strategic Insights -

A 46-year-old man, Fernando Verde, who was convicted of assaulting a peace officer and maiming a law enforcement animal, will be released from prison after serving 269 days. Verde was sentenced in Kelowna Provincial Court on September 9, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges including assaulting a police officer with a weapon, wilfully maiming a law enforcement animal, and theft. The incidents occurred in 2020 and 2023, and Verde has a lengthy criminal past, with previous convictions for property theft, assault, and breach of probation. Verde's defense lawyer cited his addiction to opiates and diagnosis of borderline personality disorder as factors contributing to his criminal behavior, which began in 2016.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fernando Verde, a 46-year-old man, was convicted of assaulting a peace officer and maiming a law enforcement animal.
  • Verde was sentenced to time served, 269 days, and will be released on September 9, 2023.
  • The incidents occurred on August 1, 2020, and June 21, 2023, in Kelowna, British Columbia.
  • Verde had a previous criminal record, with convictions for property theft, assault, break and enter, obstruction of justice, breach of probation, and weapons charges.
  • Verde's defense lawyer cited his addiction to opiates and diagnosis of borderline personality disorder as factors contributing to his criminal behavior.
  • Verde will be released under a strict two-year probation order, with conditions including a no-contact order with two individuals, a 10-year weapons ban, and a no-go zone of the 200-block of Bernard Ave.
  • Verde will apply for housing once released and is currently not allowed into any Kelowna-based shelters.

Statistics:

  • Verde spent 269 days in custody before being released.
  • The incident on August 1, 2020, involved a stolen e-bike and a pursuit by Kelowna RCMP officers.
  • Verde was charged with assault with a weapon in 2023, after holding a knife to Barry McDonald's throat.
  • Verde has a lengthy criminal past, with offenses dating back to 2016.
  • The incident on June 21, 2023, occurred at 11:45 a.m.
  • Verde will be under a strict two-year probation order.

Sources:

  • A 2025 article by the Kelowna Capital News.