(UPDATE: Aug. 28 @ 3 pm) - A woman who was filmed hurling racial slurs at a driver in a parking lot will not be charged, Richmond RCMP has said.
“While we understand the contents of the video and interaction is disturbing and troubling, in consultation with the BC Prosecution Service it has been determined that this matter will not proceed to criminal charges,” said S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet in a release.
Though the incident does not meet the threshold for criminal charges, officers are reminding the public that their responses through social media could be considered criminal in nature.
“We can appreciate that the community here in Richmond and the extended community online feels strongly about comments made in the video, but we would certainly not wish for anyone to cross the line from spirited conversation to criminal cyberbullying,” said Insp. Sunny Parmar.
“We must respect this individual is still entitled to due process and has a reasonable expectation of personal privacy.”
Update to social media video of parking lot incident https://t.co/Q5leNZnAzd #Richmond
— Richmond RCMP (@RichmondRCMP) August 28, 2019
S/Sgt. Shoihet went on to say that public safety is a top priority for police in Richmond and that officers take great pride in working in a diverse and multicultural community.
(Original Story: Aug. 24 @ 6:30 pm) - RCMP officers in Richmond, BC, have launched an investigation after footage of woman hurling racial insults at another woman in a parking lot within the city has gone viral.
On Friday, Aug. 23, RCMP were made aware of the video posted on twitter earlier that day which depicted a middle-aged white woman going on a racist tirade in regards to the other woman’s parking.
Social Media Video https://t.co/TeWl4qrzHI #Richmond
— Richmond RCMP (@RichmondRCMP) August 24, 2019
The short clip begins with the woman walking back to her vehicle saying “We don’t want you here because you can’t drive,” afterward sticking her tongue out at the other woman.
Next, the woman filming quickly turns the camera to show the two vehicles front bumpers touching with the other woman’s car visually over the white parking line, saying “you see, you crossed the line.”
The older woman proceeds to mock the recorder before saying “you don’t know a damn thing, go back to China where you belong,” and spewing other profanities, including racial slurs before the clip ends.
Who is this horrific human? #Richmond FreshCo No. 3 Rd. & Williams #youcrossedtheline pic.twitter.com/kcl2EfgSAh
— Cat (@catwinc) August 24, 2019
According to Cpl. Madonna Saunderson both women involved in the incident have been identified and in contact with the RCMP.
Now Richmond RCMP investigators are asking the public to refrain from posting any comments through social media to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
“In order to ensure the integrity of the investigation and privacy of the individuals involved, we are asking the public to respect the investigative process and refrain from posting any comments on social media," said Insp. Sunny Parmar of the Richmond RCMP.
The investigation is still ongoing and officers are encouraging members of the public who may have any additional information to come forward.
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