As the single count of assault was read aloud in court at the start of a six-day trial, Browning replied: “Guilty, your honor” to the charge. Browning originally pleaded not guilty in January 2022. He was accused of hitting and dragging nursing student Mona Wang during a wellness check at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in January 2020. WATCHES | The video captures Mona Wang in drag:
Surveillance video shows RCMP officer dragging and stomping on woman after welfare check
RCMP officer drags female student down hallway and then stomps on her head after holding the woman down during a wellness check. The court heard that Browning had signed an agreed statement of facts submitted jointly by the Crown Prosecution Service. and the defense lawyers. Sentencing will be set for a later date, likely in 2023. Browning left the courtroom at the end of the day’s hearing, free on bail. Placed on RCMP administrative office duties in June 2020. Browning is free on bail pending sentencing. (Winston Szeto/CBC)
A security camera recorded the incident
A surveillance video captured the moments after Browning arrived at an apartment building. It shows the Kelowna RCMP officer dragging a woman down the hall and stomping on her head. The video was included in a civil lawsuit Wang filed in the BC Supreme Court in March 2020 against Browning and the RCMP. In the notice of claim, Wang says she was experiencing mental distress on the evening of January 20, 2020, and her boyfriend called the RCMP requesting a well-being check. “Browning proceeded to assault the plaintiff by stepping on the plaintiff’s arm,” the lawsuit states. “Browning kicked plaintiff in the stomach while plaintiff was lying on the bathroom floor semi-conscious.” According to the lawsuit, Browning handcuffed Wang and then dragged her out of the suite and down the hall to the floor elevator while punching her in the face. The officer arrested Wang without telling her why she was being held and transported her to Kelowna General Hospital, according to the civil claim. In Browning’s statement of defense, the officer disputed the claim, saying only the necessary force was used to subdue the student when she became violent. Browning claimed Wang had a box cutter in her hand and denied attacking the student. None of these claims have been tested in court. The civil suit was settled out of court in June 2021. The terms of the settlement are covered by a confidentiality clause. Footage from surveillance video shows Const. Lacy Browning steps on Wang’s head during a wellness check. (Submitted by Bridge Law Corporation)
The investigation into the incident has faced delays, criticism
The criminal investigation into Browning’s actions lasted nearly two years, involving outside police forces and a public apology from the Kelowna RCMP. In July 2020, RCMP Southeast District Chief Supt. Brad Haugli held a press conference in response to the public outcry and protests over the video evidence. “High public confidence is what we’re striving for, and when we become aware of behavior, we need to reassure the public that we’re taking the necessary steps to gather all the data,” Haugley said. The RCMP handed over its criminal investigation to Abbotsford police for external review. In an unusual move, Abbotsford police returned the file to the RCMP, citing “further investigation [is] required.” In April 2021 a final investigation report was submitted to the BC Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of criminal charges. The Crown brought the single charge of assault in August 2021.
