Parking garage arrest: duty status of EPS officer ‘under review’ after possible excessive use of force
Posted February 28, 2023 3:55 pm.
Last Updated February 28, 2023 6:59 pm.
The duty status of one of the Edmonton police officers involved in an arrest inside a parking garage last week is under review.
BACKGROUND: Edmonton’s police watchdog investigates possible use of force in recent arrest
The Edmonton Police Service officer was caught on surveillance video using what appeared to be excessive force during the Feb. 22 arrest.
The officer was seen throwing punches against the suspect’s head.
The province’s police watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), is looking into the incident.
Police say around midnight last Wednesday, officers observed a vehicle driving erratically in the area of 106 Avenue and 92 Street.
Officers followed the vehicle to 87 Street and 106 Avenue, where they attempted to arrest the 18-year-old male driver. The EPS states an altercation took place that involved the use of force.
Nearly a week later, EPS still refuses to answer questions regarding the charges laid against the 18-year-old, or whether or not he was injured.
Police are also not saying whether officers offered medical care.
EPS diverted all questions to ASIRT. Officials with the police watchdog told CityNews they hope to have more details on the arrest later this week.
—With files from Laura Krause, Bianca Millions and Jonas Gilbart
