Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum is facing a charge of public mischief after a police investigation into his claims his foot was run over by a car driven by a local resident opposing the police transition.
Special Prosecutor Richard Fowler approved the charge Friday.
McCallum told media on September 5 he was “run over” by a car and “verbally assaulted” while grocery shopping on September 4, adding he called police at the time.
However, McCallum also had an apparent interaction with political opponents with the Keep the RCMP in Surrey campaign at a Save-On-Foods in South Surrey, which appears to be linked to McCallum’s claims.
Based on social media posts from campaign members, such as coordinator Ivan Scott, McCallum confronted the group, which had been collecting signatures for a petition to call a referendum on the municipal police transition, from Surrey RCMP to Surrey Police Service.
A public mischief charge could indicate McCallum lied about the incident or parts of the incident.
On September 20, 2021 the BC Prosecution Service announced that Fowler had been appointed special prosecutor to provide legal assistance and advice to the RCMP during the investigation of the complaint.
McCallum is leading the police transition from the Surrey RCMP to the Surrey Police Service. He is chair of the Surrey Police Board.
"The appointment of a special prosecutor is intended to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice. The BC RCMP Major Crime Section – Special Projects Unit took conduct of the Surrey RCMP investigation to ensure there was no potential for real or perceived conflict of interest or improper influence."
Surrey Coun. Brenda Locke, who is running for mayor, has called for McCallum’s resignation.
“This is a sad day for Surrey. He must resign. He’s lost the moral authority to govern our city and chair the police board. This is appalling.”
McCallum is presumed innocent until or unless the allegations are proven in court. He is due in Surrey Provincial Court on January 25.
