Osoyoos RCMP are investigating two separate assaults on a local homeless man. Members of the community have identified the victim as Vince, a well known Osoyoos resident. (File photo)

By Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

RCMP are investigating two separate reports of assault on an Osoyoos homeless man.

On Sunday night, Oliver resident Jo Tanner said on social media that Vince, her brother and a well-known homeless resident of Osoyoos, was assaulted near Elvis Fine Jewelry and the CIBC bank on Main Street in Osoyoos.

The attacker was described as a man around 40 years of age with brown hair, wearing a black jacket, burgundy toque, and black and white runners.

Osoyoos RCMP Sgt. Jason Bayda said RCMP received a third party call that a person, not yet identified by police, found a victim suffering from injuries.

The victim told the person that he was bitten by a dog and assaulted.

The assault was the second on the homeless person within the week.

Elaine Taylor, a volunteer of the United Church Thrift Store, said Vince came into the shop on Thursday morning around 8 a.m., completely wet and shaking.

“He came walking in the back door and he was soaking wet, absolutely drenched,” Taylor said. “It was horrible.”

Vince told her that he had been sleeping when several people dumped a bucket of ice water on him.

“We got him out of all of his clothes he warmed up and we kept him here for a little while.”

Taylor gave Vince some money to get breakfast and contacted the Osoyoos RCMP.

“He left and was so sweet. He said ‘God bless you ladies, isn’t Osoyoos such a wonderful place.”

Bayda was not able to confirm the identity of the victim of the reports made to the RCMP due to privacy concerns, but said that police are investigating two separate assaults, both initially reported through third parties.

Police are seeking information or witnesses that can provide information.

“These assaults were cowardly acts against one of our less fortunate and vulnerable residents of Osoyoos,” Bayda said. “When the suspect or suspects are located, police will be recommending charges.”