A video circulated on social media showed officers in Sioux Lookout using physical force and deploying a taser while making the arrest.
SIOUX LOOKOUT — Two people faces charges after an altercation with provincial police, a portion of which was recorded on video that has circulated on social media.
In a news release issued Tuesday, provincial police said an officer was on patrol during the early morning hours of July 10 when a person was seen allegedly trespassing through local properties.
Police said the officer detained the person, who was said to be highly intoxicated. The person allegedly became combative with the officer, police said, adding that included punching and grabbing at use of force tools on the officer’s belt.
Police said a conducted energy weapon was used when de-escalation tactics failed. A second person attempted to interfere with the officer during the arrest.
A 23-year-old from Kasabonika Lake First Nation is charged with assault with intent to resist arrest, and a 34-year-old from Sioux Lookout has been charged with obstructing a peace officer.
A nearly 90-second video posted on Facebook depicting the incident shows officers using physical force against an individual, as well as using a taser.
In the news release, provincial police acknowledged the video has raised concerns about the tactics used during the arrest.
“This video captures only a portion of the event and shows the responding officer selecting the most appropriate use of force option to address the immediate situation, exposing the subject, public, and officer to the lowest level of risk,” police said.
A spokesperson with the Special Investigations Unit, which is involved in cases of allegations of serious injuries, sexual assault and death involving police, confirmed the unit has not invoked its mandate when contacted by Dougall Media on Tuesday.
source nwonewswatch