File: 23-11241
Date: 23rd, February 2024
West Vancouver-Charges stemming from an August 2023 incident at a West Vancouver community event have resulted in a local man being convicted of assaulting a police officer.
While assigned to public safety patrols at the Hoedown in Dundarave in August 2023, two members of the West Vancouver Police Department stopped a vehicle to conduct an impaired driving investigation. The driver became violent, leading to four criminal charges, including: Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance, Refusal to Provide a Breath Sample, Assault of a Peace Officer Causing Bodily Harm, and Uttering Threats. On January 25, 2024, Samuel Hersey, 29, pleaded guilty to “Assault of a Peace Officer” in North Vancouver Provincial Court. Mr. Hersey was given a suspended sentence with a one-year probation.
“Festivals and community events are important moments to gather with neighbours and celebrate the many things that make our West Vancouver community special,” says Sgt. Chris Bigland. “WVPD officers work very hard to ensure the safety and security of the public during these celebrations. The assault of officers going about their duties, and the risk that presents to the surrounding public, is something we take very seriously”.
WVPD thanks the Crown for their work on this case and the witnesses who provided their accounts of the incident.