File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Investigation Closed

Kamloops journalist did not assault mayor, no charges coming: RCMP

Aug 13, 2025 | 4:47 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say a local journalist did not assault Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson at a bar earlier this summer.

Hamer-Jackson filed a complaint with the police force after an encounter with Castanet News Director Tim Petruk at Bailey’s Pub on June 29.

Hamer-Jackson alleged Petruk assaulted him. Reached by CFJC Today the day after the encounter, Petruk maintained no assault took place and that he simply patted Hamer-Jackson on the shoulder upon saying goodbye.

Wednesday (Aug. 13), Kamloops RCMP said “unwanted contact” between Petruk and Hamer-Jackson had occurred, but it “did not constitute an assault,” thus no criminal charge recommendation will be made to the BC Prosecution Service.

“Our investigators completed a thorough investigation which included reviewing video and speaking with witnesses, along with assessing all circumstances of this incident,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley. “The public are reminded to respect personal boundaries and not make unwanted contact.”

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The day after the incident, CFJC Today asked Hamer-Jackson whether a history of friction with Petruk influenced his decision to file a police report.

“Oh definitely. When someone is calling you an idiot and you are the mayor and he has no proof, facts or evidence, definitely,” said Hamer-Jackson at the time. “You don’t go around hitting people in establishments when they are meeting with somebody. Definitely not a friendly.”

Petruk, meantime, called the police report “baseless.”

“I have no doubt this will prove to be another baseless allegation made by the mayor and another waste of taxpayer resources getting the police to investigate one of his petty grievances,” said Petruk. “Let’s call this what it is — the mayor is trying to use the city’s police to harass a journalist following coverage critical of his actions.”