MEDIA RELEASES

West Vancouver Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting WVPD Officer

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. 

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

WVPD SERVICES

JOIN US!

Find out out to become a WVPD Police Member, join our Civilian Staff or Volunteer.

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION

· Valid Canadian Driver’s Licence
· Valid BC Identification Card (with photo)
· Valid BC Services Card
· Valid Passport – Canadian or Foreign
· Valid Canadian Permanent Residency Card
· Current Canadian Student ID Card (for youth applicants ages 12-17) *secondary Gov’t issued ID required
· Canadian Birth Certificate
· Valid Canadian Citizenship Card
· Valid Canadian Certificate of Native Status Card
· Valid Nexus Card
· Employee Identification Card issued by the Federal, Provincial or Territorial Government (with photo)
· Old Age Security Identification Card
· Valid Firearms Licence
· Municipal or RCMP Police Identification (with photo only)