The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) confirmed they’re investigating a New Year’s Day arrest in downtown Victoria after a man was injured during an interaction with police.
According to the VicPD, officers were called shortly after 5:30 p.m. on January 1st to the 800 block of Johnson Street following reports of a possible assault and a man behaving aggressively in public, including running into traffic.
Police said the man resisted arrest and attempted to flee into active traffic.
During the arrest, officers allege the man continued to resist and assaulted an officer.
A police service dog was used to help take him into custody. The man suffered an injury during the interaction and was transported to hospital for assessment and treatment.
Video recordings of the arrest were briefly posted on social media before being removed.
The footage, which was viewed by Victoria Buzz, appears to show officers struggling to secure the man while attempting to place both hands in handcuffs, with commands being issued during the interaction.
Police use of force is visible in the recordings, including a police service dog holding onto the man’s foot as officers attempt to arrest him. A second angle appears to show an officer striking the man on the side of his body while officers can be heard yelling, “Give us your hand.”
The IIO confirmed it was notified shortly after the arrest and has launched an independent investigation.
At the outset of every case, the civilian oversight agency assesses whether an injury meets the threshold of serious harm under the police act and whether there is a connection between that harm and police action or inaction.
If both thresholds are met, the investigation proceeds with a review of all available evidence.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the IIO’s chief civilian director will determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence may have occurred.
The IIO is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact its witness line at 1-855-446-8477.
