By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
An alleged assault at the Oliver Elks Lodge in Oliver on New Year’s Eve, which led to a GoFundMe campaign to cover uninsured medical expenses, has seen fresh details emerge from an eyewitness disputing the claims of a “sudden and violent assault”.
An eyewitness to the event, who wishes to remain anonymous due to PTSD-related issues, disputes the claims of assault being made by the individual who has since been identified as Amit Shaker.
According to the eyewitness’ account, Shaker was clearly intoxicated and “made a scene” at the Elks Lodge when he was asked to leave for vaping indoors.
“He refused and started a fight with one of the organizers,” and was escorted out by two or three men, she related.
She said he then tried to come back inside and appeared to be very angry before spontaneously punching a woman who was standing outside the door having a cigarette.
“After he punched her, another gentleman punched him once, and then the police were called about his behaviour. Police arrived shortly after and interviewed those involved,” she said.
Responding to queries from the Times Chronicle, RCMP Sgt. Jason Bayda, Area Commander Osoyoos Detachment and Media Relations Officer, confirmed the incident is under investigation.
He confirmed the incident took place at Elks on New Year’s Eve, “in which a patron allegedly got into an altercation while being removed for vaping inside.”
“We are aware the patron may have suffered an injury however, the patron has not yet provided any further details to advance our investigation. We also understand the overindulgence in alcohol may have played a factor in this,” Bayda said.
The Times Chronicle reached out to Amit Shaker and his wife, Jenny Insley (who put up the original GoFundMe campaign), but received no response.
The GoFundMe campaign is still active and has raised $1,938 from 22 donations.
