A former RCMP staff sergeant has received a 45-day conditional sentence for assaulting a man during his arrest in Langley six years ago. Damian Volk, who supervised the intake process of suspect Dalibor Kuzmanovic in August 2020, was found guilty of the assault.
The incident occurred when Kuzmanovic was apprehended fleeing a hardware store robbery in a taxi and brought to an RCMP station in Langley based on incorrect information provided by a security guard claiming Kuzmanovic was armed with a knife. Justice John Gibb-Carsley noted that Volk intervened during the search process, specifically focusing on Kuzmanovic’s groin area and waistband, leading to a physical altercation where Volk forced Kuzmanovic to the ground.
Following the incident, Kuzmanovic was asked to strip naked and wear a paper “bunny suit” before being placed in a cell. Fortunately, Kuzmanovic was unharmed, and all interactions were captured on CCTV footage within the detachment.
Volk, who retired from the RCMP in May 2026, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2024, which was considered a mitigating factor by the judge. Despite the incident, Volk expressed remorse for his actions and was recognized for his overall positive contributions to law enforcement. The judge emphasized the importance of law enforcement officials upholding the law and setting a higher standard of conduct.