Open Letter,
In response to the open letter published in several newspapers this week, I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight regarding certain facets of the investigation into the parking lot incident that occurred in Richmond Aug. 23.
There are factors that influenced the behaviours on that day which the RCMP cannot share or discuss publicly. Nonetheless, in consideration of the public interest in this incident, I note that upon learning of it, Richmond RCMP immediately initiated an investigation and treated this as a possible hate-crime. Both parties were identified and interviewed. The file was thoroughly investigated and the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) was consulted once all the evidence was gathered. It was determined that this incident had not met the threshold for a criminal prosecution in consultation with the BCPS.
I would also like to inform our community that an apology letter was voluntarily written and sent to the victim by the other driver. The victim has acknowledged receipt of the apology letter and advised that they do not wish to pursue this matter any further. While we understand that some members of the public were offended by the actions depicted in the video, the driver has apologized to the victim and the RCMP considers this investigation closed.
We are sensitive to the fact that our community is woven from many cultures and ethnicities, as is the makeup of our officers that proudly serve Richmond. Be assured that we will always investigate and treat all hate-motivated crimes seriously and continue to do our utmost in protecting our community.
Supt. Will Ng
Officer in Charge,
RICHMOND RCMP
Editor’s Note: Two local, Chinese-language dailies published an open letter this week calling on the Richmond RCMP and the provincial government to explain why charges were not laid against the Caucasian woman seen in a video that went viral last month hurling a racist attack at a Chinese woman in a local parking lot.
The Richmond News did not publish the letter, but attended Wednesday’s press conference held by the group (which includes Coun. Chak Au) that wrote it. The story from that event did not meet our press deadline, but will be published online Thursday.
