Sign in Subscribe
Police officers

Kelowna RCMP Officer and Police Dog Cleared of Wrongdoing in E-Bike Incident

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recently released investigation report by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) found that a Kelowna RCMP officer and police dog acted appropriately in the arrest of Fernando Verde, who was involved in an e-bike incident that nearly ended in tragedy. The incident began on August 1, 2020, when Verde took an e-bike that did not belong to him, claiming it was his friend's. A police chase ensued, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, and ended in a collision between Verde and the police dog, which resulted in a severe injury to Verde's leg.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IIO report found that the police officer, Const. Reginald Sahay, and the police dog acted within their duties and without any wrongdoing in the arrest of Fernando Verde.
  • Surveillance footage shows Verde attempting to take back an e-bike that did not belong to him, which led to a police chase and the subsequent collision.
  • Verde claimed to the IIO that the police dog "latched on" to his leg and that Sahay punched him, but this was not supported by witness statements or dash camera footage.
  • The police dog ultimately bit Verde's leg, causing a punctured femoral artery, but it was the officer who quickly applied tourniquets that likely saved Verde's life.
  • Verde has a lengthy criminal past, including convictions for property theft, assault, and break and enter.
  • Verde was recently charged with assaulting a police officer with a weapon, wilfully maiming a law enforcement animal, and other related charges.

Statistics:

  • The police chase reached speeds of up to 40 km/h.
  • The collision between Verde and the police dog occurred on the Okanagan Rail Trail, where a one-way road is clearly marked.
  • Verde was hospitalized for medical treatment and spent 269 days in jail before being released in September 2025.
  • The IIO report concluded that Verde's injury was caused by the police dog, not by any direct involvement of or direction from Const. Sahay.

Sources:

  • "Report Released in 2020 E-Bike Incidents" by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO), dated October 10, 2025.
  • "Kelowna RCMP Officer and Police Dog Cleared of Wrongdoing in E-Bike Incident" by the Kelowna Capital News, dated October 10, 2025.

Read more