A City of Victoria bylaw officer has been charged with assault.
The news stems from an incident on Oct. 20 last year. A woman living near Kings Park in the 1100-block of Caledonia Avenue reported seeing a bylaw officer hitting a man who was lying on his stomach on the ground, while a second bylaw officer watched.
One month later, Victoria police forwarded a report to Crown counsel, suggesting assault charges be laid against the one officer.
Five months later, one charge of assault was approved against the man, Andrew Dolan, 44.
"Sometimes charges take that long (to be approved) when there are issues to look at," said Victoria police spokesman Const. Mike Russell.
He said the victim in the incident was co-operative with police in providing information.
Dolan is still on full duties as a bylaw officer. He is not in custody.
"He is innocent until otherwise determined," said city spokesperson Katie Josephson. "We see this development as just one more step in the process."She said residents should not be concerned that Dolan is still carrying out his full duties. "He's been charged, but he hasn't been convicted of assault."
Dolan's first court appearance is April 26.
ecardone@vicnews.com