RCMP arrested Indigenous assault victim instead of taking her to hospital, inquest hears
CBC
WARNING: This story contains graphic details of an assault.
RCMP, who responded to a 911 call about an assault on an Indigenous woman in October 2017, arrested the victim and took her to the detachment in handcuffs instead of taking her to hospital, an inquest in Quesnel, B.C., has heard.
Nadine Solonos, a mother of five, died the next day after being medevaced to Vancouver.
Several RCMP officers testified they believed Solonas was intoxicated and didn't know she had suffered a traumatic head injury.
The inquest into Solonas's death began Monday with an opening prayer by her father, Ken Solonas, who said he hoped his daughter could rest in peace.
He held up a collage of photos from his daughter's life, including pictures of her as a young girl riding a bike.
"Nadine loved to laugh, play with her dolls and watch cartoons," he said. "She was loved by her family."
The inquest heard that Solonas was living in Room 31 at the Gold Pan Motel in Quesnel with her boyfriend, Richard Gregorig, in 2017.
On her 40th Birthday, Solonas was attacked by a motel guest staying in a nearby room.
Gregorig told the inquest that Solonas had been "stomped on," and he called 911 for help.
Witnesses testified Solonas' face was swollen and bruised, and she was slurring her words.
The RCMP officers who responded to the emergency call arrested Solonas for breaching a restraining order that required her to stay away from Gregorig.
Officers testified they had no other option but to arrest her because the breach involved alleged domestic violence.
RCMP took Solonos to the Quesnel detachment in handcuffs, passing by Quesnel's G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital on the way.
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