Mother fears for son’s safety after assault in Kelowna park – Okanagan
A West Kelowna mom says she fears for her son’s security after he was assaulted at a park within the early-morning hours of July 5.
16-year-old Taylor Lanz says he and two of his mates had been sitting in Kinsman Athletic Park, listening to music and catching up. Later that night, a white Dodge Ram with two male occupants started yelling at them.
The truck proceeded to drive away, however then the motive force reversed and entered the parking zone. That’s when Taylor says the 2 males started approaching them.
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“His mates ran a long way and hid in some bushes, Taylor didn’t fairly run far sufficient, he was confused,” stated Taylor’s mom Salinna Ossevorth.
Though Taylor did what he may to try to keep away from the pair, they discovered him hiding beneath a tree. That’s when the teenager says he was attacked. Ossevorth says her son suffered a damaged nostril, cuts to his face and bruises throughout his again.
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“I really feel like our neighbourhood is protected, or I assumed it was protected,” stated Ossevorth.
“It’s onerous to sleep at night time figuring out somebody damage my son like that.”
Police are looking for two bearded males driving the white Dodge pickup truck, however they’d additionally like to talk with the individuals in a pink hatchback automobile who had been within the space on the identical time. Ossevorth says she’s protecting a more in-depth eye on her son following the assault.
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“I instructed him no extra going out at night time, no extra strolling house, or being dropped off at mates’ houses,” defined Ossevorth.
Taylor is slowly recovering from his accidents, however he’s left questioning why anybody would wish to go after him and his mates like that.
“I might by no means anticipate something to occur like this on this space.”
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Regardless of the horrific expertise, there was one shining second. Two full strangers stopped to assist Lanz whereas he sat on the bottom awaiting paramedics.
“It was fantastic that somebody stopped to truly assist my boy and waited with him whereas he was scared and damage and lined in blood and saved him feeling protected in that point,” stated Ossevorth.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and anybody with info is requested to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.
