Like many unsuspecting suspects quietly working away Wednesday, Michael Magnusson’s world was turned upside down when RCMP burst in with warrant for his arrest.
The Penticton general manger of Gateway Casinos and Entertainment was shamefully escorted in handcuffs through the crowded lobby of whispering onlookers to the waiting squad car.
But as he soon learned, the humiliation and the resulting calls, pleading with friends, relatives and business associates to raise his $400 bail was all for a good cause.
The second annual Downtown Penticton Association Jail ’n’ Bail this year brought in well over $10,000 which will be divided between the Canadian Cancer Society and Regine Siemons’ family.
“I was just sitting having coffee at a business meeting with my colleagues and Cpl. (Don) Wrigglesworth shows up, I apparently put my trust in my fellow staff who turned me in on these trumped up charges of impersonating Donald Trump at a murder mystery party, which was actually for charity,” complained Magnusson, who is also president of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. “But it’s a pretty nice jail, there’s a Starbucks coffee, that’s a right that prisoners’ have these days, and I’ll take some time, relax a bit, raise some money and contemplate my decisions in life. Seriously, this is a really great cause.”
Lori Stevenson of the cancer society was busy outside the downtown, makeshift cells collecting the bail donations.
“I love events like this because of the community spirit they bring out,” said Stevenson. “I love that people will take time out of their busy day to be arrested at their place of business, come down here and sit using very precious and valuable time calling friends and colleagues for donations for a good cause.”
Executive director Kerri Milton of the DPA was also pleased with this year’s success.
“We raised a good sum of money for both cancer and this local family,” she said. “It got a lot of people involved in the community and that’s important too.”
Cpl. Wrigglesworth, who was at times accused of brutality, was joined this year by Const. Ryan Shedden in serving the city-wide warrants.
“It’s a great community event that the RCMP enjoys being involved in. We’re supporting a great cause. It’s an enjoyable fun time,” said Wrigglesworth. “Really though, anytime we can get together as a community, a lot of people have stepped up I’m just glad to be a part of that, and that really is from the heart.”