Campbell River RCMP says witnesses provided a safe haven for a woman involved in a reported violence in progress Thursday.
Officers responded to the report on Ridge Road around 3:40 p.m. and witnesses said there had been screaming and yelling for help and saw a female trying to escape a vehicle.
Police say the man in the SUV he was driving tried to pull the woman back in, but she was able to escape.
The male was arrested by a police a short distance away.
RCMP says during the investigation it was determined the male and female know each and what happened was not related to rumours posted to social media that recently charged human traffickers were in the community.
A 26-year-old Campbell River was arrested and police are recommending charges of forcible confinement and assault.
“This is another unfortunate example of violence in relationships,” Campbell River RCMP Cst. Maury Tyre said in a statement.
“The assistance of the public in this matter prevented what could have easily become a tragic incident.”
In another media release Friday, Campbell River RCMP says social media reports can lead to unwarranted fears in the community.
Police say rumours started swirling on a local social media page that accused human trafficker 36-year-old Shermineh Sheri Ziaee had been seen in Campbell River Thursday.
After a traffic stop on Jan. 28 near Swift Current Saskatchewan, RCMP arrested Ziaee, 19-year-olds Seyed Kourosh Miralinaghi and Seyed Kamran Miralinaghi and 23-year-old Shawn Alexander Kelly.
All four face numerous human trafficking-related charges and will have their matters addressed once again in a Swift Current court on March 11.
“The Campbell River RCMP recognize that people’s intentions are usually positive, but urge anyone with information of a crime or suspicious person to call the police directly at 250-286-6221.”
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