Arrest made in bike assault

Kelowna RCMP have made an arrest in connection with the assault of a teenager on the popular Rail Trail earlier in the week.

This as a local fundraising drive for the seriously injured victim is gaining in popularity.

Police told Kelowna10 they arrested a 39-year-old man Sunday.

He is facing charges of aggravated assault, robbery and failure to comply with probation. He has been released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.

Police are still looking for a second male suspect.

The 17-year-old was attacked and robbed of his bicycle, shoes and cell phone, by who police described as two ‘transient’ men.

The incident happened around 3 p.m. Tuesday on the bike and walking trail east of Dilworth Road and near the pedestrian bridge. The small wooden bridge in a treed area over the creek connects the paved trail to dirt trails behind business parking lots on Enterprise Way.

The remaining suspect was wearing a black hoodie and carrying a black or dark grey backpack.

Given the seriousness of the crime police have promised to use all resources to investigate and prosecute the matter.

Funds pouring in

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe account, started by the mother of friends of the victim had raised over $17,000 by Friday.

It noted how the victim is “on his own and at 17 he supports himself by working full time while still making his way through school at the same time.