Kingston Police have arrested a 17-year-old youth they say assaulted one of their own this past weekend in the University District during Queen’s University Homecoming.

The officer was assaulted last Saturday night when she asked a male walking on Johnson Street with open alcohol to identify himself. A physical altercation, captured on video by multiple bystanders, ensued and the officer and male became entangled. The video shows the officer keeping the male at arm’s length as he takes swings at her head. She eventually threw the male to the ground, but then he jumps up and ran away.

Police put a call out for any information about the assault in an effort to identify the suspect.Investigators found and received many videos of the incident, some of which had been posted on social media.

On social media, many criticized how the hundreds of bystanders simply stood there, watched, and some even cheered on the male. In one video of the incident, a male voice yelled, “fight! fight! fight!” While another shouted, “Yo, somebody help this guy out.”

Through the videos and numerous tips from the public, major crimes investigators were able to identify and contact the suspect. He turned himself in to police Thursday evening.

The teen has been charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest, escaping lawful custody and underage drinking.

The majority of the unsanctioned Homecoming festivities surrounding Queen’s started early Saturday morning and continued throughout the day. While police have said many participates were co-operative, others were not.

Officers laid 128 total charges. That’s 43 more than 2018’s 85, but 202 fewer than 2017’s 303 charges. This year there were 115 liquor licence offences, nine bylaw offences — including eight tickets issued under the Nuisance Party bylaw — four Highway Traffic Act offences, and two criminal charges.

The criminal charges will likely increase as Kingston Police are still searching for several individuals. They are searching for those involved in damaging a Red Bull vehicle on Saturday afternoon. According to officers at the scene, inside the vehicle was a promotional crew and a DJ. The crew was handing out Red Bull drinks, but when they ran out, revellers climbed on top of the vehicle and started to damage it.

It eventually had to be towed away minus its side mirrors and windshield.

Const. Kevin Closs is investigating the mischief. He said Thursday evening that many videos of the incident have been sent to him and he’s currently reviewing them.

Anyone with information regarding the damaged Red Bull vehicle is asked to contact Closs at 613-549-4660, ext. 6302, or via email at kcloss@kingstonpolice.ca.

Anonymous tips about both the officer assault and the damage done to the vehicle can be provided by calling 613-549-4660, ext. 0, and asking to remain anonymous, or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

scrosier@postmedia.com

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