Kamloops RCMP are investigating an assault. Officials say they responded to a report of a fight outside of a business in the 300 block of Tranquille Road just before 3:00 in the morning on Saturday, July 6th.

Corporal Jodi Shelkie says “upon arrival, RCMP located two individuals, a 27 year old form Ashcroft and a 34 year old man from Vernon, who had suffered minor injuries as a result of the altercation.”

She says at the time, neither man wished for police assistance or further investigation and there was no sign that the incident was hate motivated.

Shelkie says if it’s believed that the assault was a hate crime, that would come into play when sentencing occurs.

“In this case, if one of the parties is charged and they go to court and if they’re found guilty, if in fact it was related to some kind of racial bias, that would come into account when sentencing is done.”

Shelkie says it’s looking at the totality of the situation. There may be more than two people involved, but Shelkie couldn’t say how many people were involved at this time.

She adds that no arrests have been made and it is too early to say if any charges will be laid.

By Jeff Andreas