ASIRT looking into use of force by Edmonton police after man tased twice during arrest

Alberta’s police watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, says it is investigating the use of force by an Edmonton police officer who used a taser on a man in early October — during an arrest caught on video.

Reports indicate that around 11:50 p.m. on Oct. 9, two officers were patrolling an industrial area when they noticed two vehicles in an area they considered suspicious.

When the vehicles drove off, the officers followed, and eventually caught up to one of them — a silver Dodge 3500 — which then reportedly tried to quickly turn onto the Yellowhead Highway, but failed to do so and entered the ditch, striking a large drain pipe.

The officers exited their vehicle and reportedly shouted commands to the driver; however, police say the driver did not initially comply. He did eventually exit the vehicle, and officers told him to walk towards them with his hands up, before being told to turn around. The man did and then was reportedly shot with a taser, which was used a second time after he was on the ground.

A witness recorded the encounter. In the video, officers repeatedly tell the man to put his hands to the sides and roll over onto his face.

In a statement to CityNews in October, Edmonton police said: “Officers are required to make a split-second assessment of the level of risk in each incident, and to use force that is proportionate to the situation. This critical decision-making includes an assessment of factors, including lighting conditions, the subject’s behaviour, mental state, presence of a weapon, or proximity to others who may be put at risk by the subject.”

EPS believes the truck was stolen and re-vinned. The driver has been charged with criminal flight, driving while suspended, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft. Additional charges are pending.

ASIRT is investigating the matter and the use of force by the officer, and notes that one of the officers was wearing a body camera, which was on at the time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.