Penticton Police Use Sponge Round in Shooting Incident
In a recent incident in Penticton, British Columbia, police officers resorted to using a sponge round to subdue a suspect who was allegedly armed with a knife.
According to the Penticton Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when officers responded to a call about a man who was behaving erratically and carrying a knife. Upon arrival, the officers found the suspect in a parking lot, still armed with the knife.
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the officers used verbal commands and less-lethal options such as a taser and pepper spray. However, these methods were unsuccessful in subduing the suspect. As a last resort, the officers used a sponge round, a type of less-lethal ammunition that is designed to incapacitate a person without causing serious injury.
The sponge round struck the suspect in the upper body, causing him to drop the knife and allowing the officers to safely take him into custody. The suspect was then transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained from the sponge round.
The use of less-lethal force by police has been a topic of debate in recent years, with concerns about the potential for serious injury or death. However, the Penticton RCMP stated that the use of the sponge round in this incident was necessary to protect both the officers and the public.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of British Columbia, which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious harm or death, has been notified of the incident. The IIO will determine if the use of the sponge round was justified and if any further action is necessary.
The Penticton RCMP also stated that they are committed to using the appropriate level of force in any given situation and that the use of less-lethal options is always preferred over lethal force.
This incident serves as a reminder of the difficult and dangerous situations that police officers face on a daily basis. The use of less-lethal force, such as the sponge round, can be an effective tool in de-escalating these situations and ensuring the safety of all involved.
