French media report four police officers are in custody in connection
with the alleged rape of a Canadian woman at the Paris police
headquarters.
Published reports say the 34-year-old Toronto woman is the daughter
of a Canadian police officer and may herself be a police officer too.
The reports allege the woman met with the officers, who are part of
an anti-gang squad, at an Irish pub Tuesday night and went with them to
the unit’s headquarters.
They cite sources saying she left distraught the next morning and told another officer that she had been raped.
They say three of the officers are accused of being directly involved
in the assault, while the other allegedly spoke to the woman after it
happened.
The case is being handled by the country’s police watchdog and it’s reported DNA tests are being conducted.
The officers have reportedly denied the allegations.
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve vowed today to take “all
the necessary measures” if the allegations turn out to be true.
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Friday, April 25, 2014
Monday, March 01, 2010
Officer Charged with Domestic Violence
A 52-year-old OPP officer has been charged with assault after an off-duty domestic incident, police said Monday.
On Feb. 26, the OPP professional standards bureau finished an investigation into the December 2009 domestic incident.
As a result, the officer was arrested and charged with assault, police said. The man was released from custody on a promise to appear in court on March 23.
Police said they will not release the officer's name to protect the identity of the victim. Police have not released any details of the assault.
The officer is a 16-year veteran of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP detachment.
He has been assigned to administrative duties, police said.
On Feb. 26, the OPP professional standards bureau finished an investigation into the December 2009 domestic incident.
As a result, the officer was arrested and charged with assault, police said. The man was released from custody on a promise to appear in court on March 23.
Police said they will not release the officer's name to protect the identity of the victim. Police have not released any details of the assault.
The officer is a 16-year veteran of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OPP detachment.
He has been assigned to administrative duties, police said.
Const. Doug Lemna Accused of Using Excessive Force
A longtime veteran of the Abbotsford, B.C., police department has been charged with assault.
Const. Doug Lemna is accused of using excessive force on a mischief suspect in September 2009.
Police say the 19-year member was responding to a disturbance call on Jasper Court around 4 a.m. when two suspects believed to be yelling and breaking windows fled on bikes.
The duo was eventually located three-and-a-half blocks away. The alleged assault happened while one of the suspects was being detained and other officers went back to the scene to investigate.
Abbotsford Police Chief Constable Bob Rich ordered an investigation after "an issue with the use for force" used by Lemna was brought to the department's attention by a member reviewing the case file.
A criminal charge was recommended after the completion of a probe by the department's professional standards section.
Crown Counsel approved a charge of assault late Friday night.
Lemna was re-assigned to desk duties in October, where he remains.
This is the second investigation into an Abbotsford police officer in recent months.
In February, B.C.'s Police Complaint Commissioner ordered a public hearing into the conduct Const. Alex Wood after he allegedly broke a man's finger while seizing his camera in September 2008.
Const. Doug Lemna is accused of using excessive force on a mischief suspect in September 2009.
Police say the 19-year member was responding to a disturbance call on Jasper Court around 4 a.m. when two suspects believed to be yelling and breaking windows fled on bikes.
The duo was eventually located three-and-a-half blocks away. The alleged assault happened while one of the suspects was being detained and other officers went back to the scene to investigate.
Abbotsford Police Chief Constable Bob Rich ordered an investigation after "an issue with the use for force" used by Lemna was brought to the department's attention by a member reviewing the case file.
A criminal charge was recommended after the completion of a probe by the department's professional standards section.
Crown Counsel approved a charge of assault late Friday night.
Lemna was re-assigned to desk duties in October, where he remains.
This is the second investigation into an Abbotsford police officer in recent months.
In February, B.C.'s Police Complaint Commissioner ordered a public hearing into the conduct Const. Alex Wood after he allegedly broke a man's finger while seizing his camera in September 2008.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rookie Officer Keith Anderson Arrested for Breaking into Home
A rookie Alberta RCMP officer, who was a suspect in a break and enter, has now been charged with breaking into a home northwest of Calgary.
Mounties say the officer had only been on the job seven months and was on his first posting in Cochrane, Alta., when he was arrested.
Police say a relative of the homeowner found an off-duty Mountie early Sunday morning inside a home in the bedroom community.
When the constable was told to leave, he identified himself as a police officer and left but was arrested a short time later.
Keith Anderson, 22, has been charged with break and enter and is expected to appear in court March 9.
He has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the court case.
Mounties say the officer had only been on the job seven months and was on his first posting in Cochrane, Alta., when he was arrested.
Police say a relative of the homeowner found an off-duty Mountie early Sunday morning inside a home in the bedroom community.
When the constable was told to leave, he identified himself as a police officer and left but was arrested a short time later.
Keith Anderson, 22, has been charged with break and enter and is expected to appear in court March 9.
He has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the court case.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Detective Jim MacNeil Found Guilty
A disgraced former Edmonton police detective found guilty of obstruction of justice for tampering in his son’s drunk-driving case has avoided being put behind bars.
Jim MacNeil, 51, was given a four-month conditional sentence to be served in the community on Tuesday.
Judge Doreen Sulyma told a packed courtroom MacNeil had “compromised the administration of justice” and said he had a “higher level of blameworthiness” as a result of being a senior officer.
“It was done for a family member. There was no need for this,” she said.
“He could have assisted his son legally. Instead, he chose to hold himself above the rule of law.”
Sulyma also criticized the former detective for trying to put the blame on another office.
She said the falsely blamed officer wrote in a victim impact statement that she her professional reputation had been negatively affected.
Sulyma said mitigating factors were that MacNeil had no prior criminal record; boasted a long, successful career with the Edmonton Police Service; and volunteered in the community.
MacNeil was ordered to take any courses directed by his probation officer and he must abide by a daily 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for the first month of the sentence.
At the time of MacNeil’s Dec. 1 conviction, Sulyma said she didn’t believe his testimony and ruled he had used his position as a police officer to “improperly” access police information to try to “protect” his son.
“From the beginning, he was using his position for the sole goal of helping his son,” said Sulyma.
She also ruled the actions of the 26-year veteran, who had then been suspended without pay, marked a “serious and marked departure” from the standards of a public officer.
“The actions of the accused were indeed partial and he used his office for a purpose other than the public good.”
According to an agreed statement of facts in the case, Chad MacNeil was arrested for impaired driving by Const. Eleanor McEvoy and Const. Greg Kitura on Feb. 10, 2005.
After MacNeil tried to get a copy of his son’s file on Feb. 17, 2005, police began an internal investigation.
According to the agreed facts, MacNeil admitted he sent a fax to the Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch on Feb. 22, 2005, requesting his son’s suspension be canceled.
MacNeil also admitted he sent a memo to the Edmonton Police Service's case management unit requesting the suspension be canceled; and accessed CPIC, the national police computer system, to run inquiries concerning his son.
On Nov. 19, MacNeil took the stand in his own defense and admitted to impersonating his son on the phone.
Jim MacNeil, 51, was given a four-month conditional sentence to be served in the community on Tuesday.
Judge Doreen Sulyma told a packed courtroom MacNeil had “compromised the administration of justice” and said he had a “higher level of blameworthiness” as a result of being a senior officer.
“It was done for a family member. There was no need for this,” she said.
“He could have assisted his son legally. Instead, he chose to hold himself above the rule of law.”
Sulyma also criticized the former detective for trying to put the blame on another office.
She said the falsely blamed officer wrote in a victim impact statement that she her professional reputation had been negatively affected.
Sulyma said mitigating factors were that MacNeil had no prior criminal record; boasted a long, successful career with the Edmonton Police Service; and volunteered in the community.
MacNeil was ordered to take any courses directed by his probation officer and he must abide by a daily 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for the first month of the sentence.
At the time of MacNeil’s Dec. 1 conviction, Sulyma said she didn’t believe his testimony and ruled he had used his position as a police officer to “improperly” access police information to try to “protect” his son.
“From the beginning, he was using his position for the sole goal of helping his son,” said Sulyma.
She also ruled the actions of the 26-year veteran, who had then been suspended without pay, marked a “serious and marked departure” from the standards of a public officer.
“The actions of the accused were indeed partial and he used his office for a purpose other than the public good.”
According to an agreed statement of facts in the case, Chad MacNeil was arrested for impaired driving by Const. Eleanor McEvoy and Const. Greg Kitura on Feb. 10, 2005.
After MacNeil tried to get a copy of his son’s file on Feb. 17, 2005, police began an internal investigation.
According to the agreed facts, MacNeil admitted he sent a fax to the Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch on Feb. 22, 2005, requesting his son’s suspension be canceled.
MacNeil also admitted he sent a memo to the Edmonton Police Service's case management unit requesting the suspension be canceled; and accessed CPIC, the national police computer system, to run inquiries concerning his son.
On Nov. 19, MacNeil took the stand in his own defense and admitted to impersonating his son on the phone.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Ottawa Officer Charged with Harassment
Ottawa police have charged one of their own with criminal harassment in connection with a series of incidents that happened over a four month period.
Police say the 43-year-old officer has been charged with three counts of criminal harassment for events that occurred between Nov. 1, 2009 and Feb. 5, 2010.
The name of the officer will not be released in order to protect the victim's privacy.
According to Supt. Mike Flanagan, there was a personal relationship between the officer and the victim.
Police are still investigating to see whether charges will also be laid under the Police Services Act.
The officer has been suspended with strict conditions, and he will appear in court on Sunday.
Police say the 43-year-old officer has been charged with three counts of criminal harassment for events that occurred between Nov. 1, 2009 and Feb. 5, 2010.
The name of the officer will not be released in order to protect the victim's privacy.
According to Supt. Mike Flanagan, there was a personal relationship between the officer and the victim.
Police are still investigating to see whether charges will also be laid under the Police Services Act.
The officer has been suspended with strict conditions, and he will appear in court on Sunday.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Const Brian Toner Sentenced for Drunk Driving
A police service disciplinary hearing has ruled that a veteran Edmonton constable must forfeit the equivalent of $4,800 in pay after being convicted of drunk driving in 2008.
Const. Brian Toner, 50, was convicted in May 2008 of having care and control of a vehicle while impaired. He was handed a conditional discharge and 18 months' probation in provincial court last April.
In a decision released by a police disciplinary body Monday, Toner was suspended without pay for 80 hours and will immediately forfeit 40 hours of accumulated overtime as penalty for his behaviour and criminal conviction.
"The [Edmonton Police] Service has been very clear and consistent in its messaging about drunk driving and investigations of those (citizens and members of the Service) who disobey the criminal law and disciplinary regulations," said police Supt Mark Logar, who presided over the disciplinary hearing. He said arguments on behalf of Toner by the police association and representatives of the police department "do not even begin to reflect the gravity of the Constable’s misconduct ... provide an entirely insufficient denunciation, and furthermore serve as insufficient general and specific deterrence."
In February 2006, Toner was found intoxicated and passed out in his parked and running car three blocks from the west division police station. He had been drinking after his shift with some colleagues in the station. He was found by a fellow officer, who brought him back to the station and charged him.
According to the conditions of his probation, Toner was to seek treatment for alcoholism. He was to abstain from alcohol and provide a breath sample whenever requested. He was to have performed 30 hours of community service and cannot be in bars when off-duty.
Toner also was banned from driving for one year. At his sentencing last year, Toner told the court he has struggled with binge drinking most of his adult life. The drinking got worse in 1990 after he shot a man who attacked him with a knife while he was responding to a call.
Toner attended a 56-day residential treatment program in B.C. after he was charged in 2006 and said he has been sober ever since.
Const. Brian Toner, 50, was convicted in May 2008 of having care and control of a vehicle while impaired. He was handed a conditional discharge and 18 months' probation in provincial court last April.
In a decision released by a police disciplinary body Monday, Toner was suspended without pay for 80 hours and will immediately forfeit 40 hours of accumulated overtime as penalty for his behaviour and criminal conviction.
"The [Edmonton Police] Service has been very clear and consistent in its messaging about drunk driving and investigations of those (citizens and members of the Service) who disobey the criminal law and disciplinary regulations," said police Supt Mark Logar, who presided over the disciplinary hearing. He said arguments on behalf of Toner by the police association and representatives of the police department "do not even begin to reflect the gravity of the Constable’s misconduct ... provide an entirely insufficient denunciation, and furthermore serve as insufficient general and specific deterrence."
In February 2006, Toner was found intoxicated and passed out in his parked and running car three blocks from the west division police station. He had been drinking after his shift with some colleagues in the station. He was found by a fellow officer, who brought him back to the station and charged him.
According to the conditions of his probation, Toner was to seek treatment for alcoholism. He was to abstain from alcohol and provide a breath sample whenever requested. He was to have performed 30 hours of community service and cannot be in bars when off-duty.
Toner also was banned from driving for one year. At his sentencing last year, Toner told the court he has struggled with binge drinking most of his adult life. The drinking got worse in 1990 after he shot a man who attacked him with a knife while he was responding to a call.
Toner attended a 56-day residential treatment program in B.C. after he was charged in 2006 and said he has been sober ever since.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Police Beating Caught on Video
The lawyer representing a man sentenced for assaulting a police officer is questioning how his client was handled when Winnipeg police officers arrested him.
The parking lot assault in February 2009 was caught on a store surveillance camera on Notre Dame Avenue. At one point it appears Cody Bousquet turns to officers but then is pushed back down. It appears officers strike and knee the man a number of times while he is on the ground.
Officials with the Winnipeg Police Association say the tape does not show everything that happened that night. There was a violent high speed chase where cars were rammed before the arrest in the parking lot of an auto parts store.
"The officers obviously don't have an opportunity to determine if this guy is completely defenceless, or without weapon," said Marc Pellerin with the police association. "So you do the appropriate and safe thing, which is take him down, take him down hard and be done with it."
At one point in the video officers remove an object from the suspect but CTV has not been able to confirm what that object was.
Although Bousquet pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and dangerous driving his lawyer Daniel Manning says the tape raises issues in respect to the Crown being able to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
"There would have been credibility issues, one, and perhaps charter arguments down the road, unreasonable, excessive force," Manning said.
The Winnipeg Police Association says it was the officers themselves who realized the incident was caught on tape and obtained a warrant so the video could be turned over to the courts.
The video has impacted the outcome of the case according to the Director of Prosecutions at Manitoba Justice, Don Slough. Slough says normally the Crown asks for 24 to 30 months in this type of case but because of the tape, Bousquet's lawyer and the Crown came to a joint recommendation of 11 months which is essentially 22 months with two for one credit for time served.
Bousquet may consider filing a complaint about the conduct of the officers that night.
The parking lot assault in February 2009 was caught on a store surveillance camera on Notre Dame Avenue. At one point it appears Cody Bousquet turns to officers but then is pushed back down. It appears officers strike and knee the man a number of times while he is on the ground.
Officials with the Winnipeg Police Association say the tape does not show everything that happened that night. There was a violent high speed chase where cars were rammed before the arrest in the parking lot of an auto parts store.
"The officers obviously don't have an opportunity to determine if this guy is completely defenceless, or without weapon," said Marc Pellerin with the police association. "So you do the appropriate and safe thing, which is take him down, take him down hard and be done with it."
At one point in the video officers remove an object from the suspect but CTV has not been able to confirm what that object was.
Although Bousquet pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and dangerous driving his lawyer Daniel Manning says the tape raises issues in respect to the Crown being able to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
"There would have been credibility issues, one, and perhaps charter arguments down the road, unreasonable, excessive force," Manning said.
The Winnipeg Police Association says it was the officers themselves who realized the incident was caught on tape and obtained a warrant so the video could be turned over to the courts.
The video has impacted the outcome of the case according to the Director of Prosecutions at Manitoba Justice, Don Slough. Slough says normally the Crown asks for 24 to 30 months in this type of case but because of the tape, Bousquet's lawyer and the Crown came to a joint recommendation of 11 months which is essentially 22 months with two for one credit for time served.
Bousquet may consider filing a complaint about the conduct of the officers that night.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Vancouver Officer No Longer On Patrol After Arrest
One of two Vancouver police officers being investigated after a controversial arrest last Thursday is no longer on patrol.
He has been assigned to desk duty.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner has been advised of the move.
Police Chief Jim Chu offered a personal apology to 44-year-old Yao Wei Wu after he was roughed up by police who went to the wrong address while investigating a domestic violence complaint.
Wu had to be taken to hospital to have facial injuries treated.
He didn't know the plainclothes officers were police because he doesn't speak English.
He also says he didn't resist them because they had guns.
He has been assigned to desk duty.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner has been advised of the move.
Police Chief Jim Chu offered a personal apology to 44-year-old Yao Wei Wu after he was roughed up by police who went to the wrong address while investigating a domestic violence complaint.
Wu had to be taken to hospital to have facial injuries treated.
He didn't know the plainclothes officers were police because he doesn't speak English.
He also says he didn't resist them because they had guns.
Sgt George Chong Accused of Using Excessive Force
A veteran Victoria police officer has been suspended with pay and is the subject of criminal and Police Act investigations after a man was assaulted in police cells, Chief Jamie Graham announced Monday.
On Jan. 15, a 33-year-old man was arrested for violating court conditions and taken to the cells in the Victoria police headquarters on Caledonia Avenue. The sergeant monitoring the cells — identified as Sgt. George Chong — is accused of using force against the man, although the reasons for doing so were not made clear at a news conference yesterday.
“During the booking-in process, an incident occurred and the prisoner received injuries that required hospital treatment,” Graham said during a news conference.
That has led to an allegation of assault against Chong, who might have violated the department’s use-of-force policy.
Provincial cabinet minister Ida Chong confirmed that her brother is the subject of the complaint.
“It’s very troubling for all of us, for him and his family,” she said in a phone interview Monday. “I can only wish the matter is dealt with quickly.”
This is not the first time Chong, who is in his late 40s, has been investigated by the department.
He pleaded guilty to an off-duty assault that occurred in June 2008, which resulted in a written reprimand from Victoria police. A provincial court judge handed Chong a conditional discharge and nine months’ probation, as well as ordering him to undergo anger-management counselling.
Ida Chong, minister of Healthy Living and Sport, said she does not know whether her brother was attending anger-management classes. She said he has the support of his wife and children, and wants to continue to serve his community as a police officer.
Graham refused to name either the injured man or the officer, but did say the sergeant has 28 years of service with the department. Chong has been with the force for 28 years.
The speed with which the prisoner received medical attention is also under investigation, said Graham, as 30 to 45 minutes passed before he was taken to hospital.
Graham was vague on the details of the incident, saying only that the man received injuries to his face. He said he can’t go into specifics because the matter is being investigated. “I intend to make the findings public when appropriate.”
The sergeant disclosed the incident to his superiors later that day, Graham said, adding that there was enough information to warrant his suspension. The officer is co-operating with the investigation, Graham said.
Members of the Vancouver Police Department, who will lead the criminal investigation, are on their way to Victoria to talk to the officer.
The incident was captured on video cameras in the jail cells. While Graham said he has not watched the recording, it will be examined by the Vancouver officers as part of the investigation.
The Victoria department’s professional standards section will conduct a parallel internal Police Act investigation, which will be monitored by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.
Police Complaint Commissioner spokesman Bruce Brown said the victim has not filed a complaint. The victim has recovered from his injuries and Deputy Chief John Ducker has contacted him and apologized.
“The incident is troubling,” Graham said, but added that it has to be put in the context of the 5,000 to 7,000 inmates a year that are processed in the cells.
As a result of excessive-force allegations in the past, Graham decided that a sergeant should supervise the cells around the clock. Asked if this policy backfired, Graham said it’s too early to tell.
Graham would not say whether the prisoner did anything to provoke the officer, but police spokesman Sgt. Grant Hamilton said the 33-year-old man was sober when arrested. He did not say whether the man was known to police.
Graham could not say how long the investigations will take but added: “This will receive rapid attention. I want the facts quickly so we can make decisions quickly.”
On Jan. 15, a 33-year-old man was arrested for violating court conditions and taken to the cells in the Victoria police headquarters on Caledonia Avenue. The sergeant monitoring the cells — identified as Sgt. George Chong — is accused of using force against the man, although the reasons for doing so were not made clear at a news conference yesterday.
“During the booking-in process, an incident occurred and the prisoner received injuries that required hospital treatment,” Graham said during a news conference.
That has led to an allegation of assault against Chong, who might have violated the department’s use-of-force policy.
Provincial cabinet minister Ida Chong confirmed that her brother is the subject of the complaint.
“It’s very troubling for all of us, for him and his family,” she said in a phone interview Monday. “I can only wish the matter is dealt with quickly.”
This is not the first time Chong, who is in his late 40s, has been investigated by the department.
He pleaded guilty to an off-duty assault that occurred in June 2008, which resulted in a written reprimand from Victoria police. A provincial court judge handed Chong a conditional discharge and nine months’ probation, as well as ordering him to undergo anger-management counselling.
Ida Chong, minister of Healthy Living and Sport, said she does not know whether her brother was attending anger-management classes. She said he has the support of his wife and children, and wants to continue to serve his community as a police officer.
Graham refused to name either the injured man or the officer, but did say the sergeant has 28 years of service with the department. Chong has been with the force for 28 years.
The speed with which the prisoner received medical attention is also under investigation, said Graham, as 30 to 45 minutes passed before he was taken to hospital.
Graham was vague on the details of the incident, saying only that the man received injuries to his face. He said he can’t go into specifics because the matter is being investigated. “I intend to make the findings public when appropriate.”
The sergeant disclosed the incident to his superiors later that day, Graham said, adding that there was enough information to warrant his suspension. The officer is co-operating with the investigation, Graham said.
Members of the Vancouver Police Department, who will lead the criminal investigation, are on their way to Victoria to talk to the officer.
The incident was captured on video cameras in the jail cells. While Graham said he has not watched the recording, it will be examined by the Vancouver officers as part of the investigation.
The Victoria department’s professional standards section will conduct a parallel internal Police Act investigation, which will be monitored by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.
Police Complaint Commissioner spokesman Bruce Brown said the victim has not filed a complaint. The victim has recovered from his injuries and Deputy Chief John Ducker has contacted him and apologized.
“The incident is troubling,” Graham said, but added that it has to be put in the context of the 5,000 to 7,000 inmates a year that are processed in the cells.
As a result of excessive-force allegations in the past, Graham decided that a sergeant should supervise the cells around the clock. Asked if this policy backfired, Graham said it’s too early to tell.
Graham would not say whether the prisoner did anything to provoke the officer, but police spokesman Sgt. Grant Hamilton said the 33-year-old man was sober when arrested. He did not say whether the man was known to police.
Graham could not say how long the investigations will take but added: “This will receive rapid attention. I want the facts quickly so we can make decisions quickly.”
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Three Calgary Officers Charged with Using Excessive Force
Three Calgary police officers were charged with assault Wednesday after motorists in two separate incidents accused them of using excessive force.
In the first case, which dates back to December 2008, a pair of officers were charged with assault following a physical altercation with a 50-year-old man they pulled over.
The second incident involved a single officer who used a Taser during a struggle with a 73-year-old man pulled over for a traffic violation.
Police said they have interviewed independent witnesses who saw the second encounter in April 2009.
While police and the association that represents the rank-and-file stressed they will let the courts decide whether the actions were justified, officials on both sides said they don't believe the officers deliberately crossed the line.
"Our officers are called upon to make split-second decisions," said deputy Chief Al Redford.
"I am totally confident none of these three officers reported for duty . . . with the intention of committing a criminal offence; they reported for duty with the intention of enforcing the law."
President of the Calgary Police Association, John Dooks, echoed Redford's sentiment, and added the officers in both cases were reacting to a perceived threat from the motorists.
In the 2008 incident, the two officers were responding to a call about a motorist behaving erratically in the area around 17th Avenue S.E. in Forest Lawn, Dooks said.
The man didn't pull over when the officers first activated the lights and sirens on their marked cruiser, Dooks said.
When the 50-year-old motorist did pull over, he didn't comply with instructions and reached for one of the officers while still behind the wheel of his vehicle, said Dooks.
"That is a grave risk," he said, adding an officer had been dragged by a motorist the night before.
There was a struggle between the man and the officers, resulting in the motorist filing a formal complaint with police.
The incident happened at 2:15 a.m. and there were no independent witnesses, but an independent Crown prosecutor recommended charging the officers after reviewing the findings of an investigation by the Calgary police professional standards section.
The two officers, who each have four years' experience, have been charged with assault and are on administrative duties pending the outcome of the court case.
In the second case, a six-year member of the force patrolling in a marked cruiser pulled over a 73-year-old man for a traffic violation in the northeast Calgary on the afternoon of April 17, 2009.
"During his dealings with the officer, the motorist was non-compliant with the officer's demands and instructions," Dooks said.
The two became involved in a physical confrontation -- though neither police nor the association said what sparked it -- and the officer had to defend himself, said Dooks.
"The officer was losing the struggle and as a result, resorted to the Taser to subdue the individual," he said.
The officer involved in the Taser incident has been charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm. He is also on administrative duties until the allegations are dealt with. The driver of the car was charged with a traffic violation.
The courts will render a verdict on whether the officers should have reacted the way they did, but Dooks said both confrontations could have been avoided if the motorists simply followed instructions.
"I would not, in either case, try to paint these motorists as sinister individuals."
But traffic stops are high-risk situations for officers because motorists can easily conceal weapons or use their vehicles to injure officers, making immediate compliance especially vital, said Dooks.
"Any time an officer approaches a vehicle, it's always the motorist or the offender who has the advantage. There are lots of grey areas for officers, and on safety issues, they'll err on the side of safety."
Police did not release the names of the officers who have been charged, citing a recently instituted policy against publicly identifying members who have been accused of an offence while carrying out their duties.
The intent, Redford said, is to prevent harassment against the officers and their families in cases where they may have simply been doing their jobs.
"We will give them the benefit of the doubt," he said.
Under the policy, police will release the names of the officers if they are convicted. As well, the policy does not protect the identity of officers accused of committing serious crimes while off-duty.
In the first case, which dates back to December 2008, a pair of officers were charged with assault following a physical altercation with a 50-year-old man they pulled over.
The second incident involved a single officer who used a Taser during a struggle with a 73-year-old man pulled over for a traffic violation.
Police said they have interviewed independent witnesses who saw the second encounter in April 2009.
While police and the association that represents the rank-and-file stressed they will let the courts decide whether the actions were justified, officials on both sides said they don't believe the officers deliberately crossed the line.
"Our officers are called upon to make split-second decisions," said deputy Chief Al Redford.
"I am totally confident none of these three officers reported for duty . . . with the intention of committing a criminal offence; they reported for duty with the intention of enforcing the law."
President of the Calgary Police Association, John Dooks, echoed Redford's sentiment, and added the officers in both cases were reacting to a perceived threat from the motorists.
In the 2008 incident, the two officers were responding to a call about a motorist behaving erratically in the area around 17th Avenue S.E. in Forest Lawn, Dooks said.
The man didn't pull over when the officers first activated the lights and sirens on their marked cruiser, Dooks said.
When the 50-year-old motorist did pull over, he didn't comply with instructions and reached for one of the officers while still behind the wheel of his vehicle, said Dooks.
"That is a grave risk," he said, adding an officer had been dragged by a motorist the night before.
There was a struggle between the man and the officers, resulting in the motorist filing a formal complaint with police.
The incident happened at 2:15 a.m. and there were no independent witnesses, but an independent Crown prosecutor recommended charging the officers after reviewing the findings of an investigation by the Calgary police professional standards section.
The two officers, who each have four years' experience, have been charged with assault and are on administrative duties pending the outcome of the court case.
In the second case, a six-year member of the force patrolling in a marked cruiser pulled over a 73-year-old man for a traffic violation in the northeast Calgary on the afternoon of April 17, 2009.
"During his dealings with the officer, the motorist was non-compliant with the officer's demands and instructions," Dooks said.
The two became involved in a physical confrontation -- though neither police nor the association said what sparked it -- and the officer had to defend himself, said Dooks.
"The officer was losing the struggle and as a result, resorted to the Taser to subdue the individual," he said.
The officer involved in the Taser incident has been charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm. He is also on administrative duties until the allegations are dealt with. The driver of the car was charged with a traffic violation.
The courts will render a verdict on whether the officers should have reacted the way they did, but Dooks said both confrontations could have been avoided if the motorists simply followed instructions.
"I would not, in either case, try to paint these motorists as sinister individuals."
But traffic stops are high-risk situations for officers because motorists can easily conceal weapons or use their vehicles to injure officers, making immediate compliance especially vital, said Dooks.
"Any time an officer approaches a vehicle, it's always the motorist or the offender who has the advantage. There are lots of grey areas for officers, and on safety issues, they'll err on the side of safety."
Police did not release the names of the officers who have been charged, citing a recently instituted policy against publicly identifying members who have been accused of an offence while carrying out their duties.
The intent, Redford said, is to prevent harassment against the officers and their families in cases where they may have simply been doing their jobs.
"We will give them the benefit of the doubt," he said.
Under the policy, police will release the names of the officers if they are convicted. As well, the policy does not protect the identity of officers accused of committing serious crimes while off-duty.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Constable Kevin Gregson Charged with Murder
The man accused of stabbing Ottawa Police Constable Eric Czapnik to death last week showed up on the doorstep of the Ottawa-area home of RCMP Commissioner William Elliott last year, the Ottawa Citizen has learned.
The Citizen has also learned that RCMP Constable Kevin Gregson, now charged with first-degree murder, was later instructed at an Ottawa disciplinary hearing in November to quit the national police force within two weeks or be fired.
"The RCMP can confirm Const. Gregson did go to the commissioner's home to drop off some material, without incident. This was in violation of one of the conditions of his earlier suspension, which was to not attend the home of any employee of the RCMP without being specifically invited," Sergeant Pat Flood said in a statement to the Citizen. The force would not say when Const. Gregson went to the commissioner's home.
"A disciplinary hearing on violations of the conditions of his suspension was held in November 2009 in Ottawa under the RCMP code of conduct.
"The board directed Const. Gregson to resign from the force within 14 days or be dismissed. He appealed that ruling," Sgt. Flood said. The appeal has not been heard.
Const. Gregson, 43, told his parents about the visit he paid to the RCMP commissioner's home, the Citizen has also learned.
The Citizen has learned that Const. Gregson visited his parents, who live in Gloucester, an Ottawa suburb, in the hours before the stabbing.
Const. Czapnik, 51, was attacked at 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 29 as he wrote notes from his final call -- an alleged sex assault on a librarian -- in his cruiser outside the emergency department of the Ottawa Hospital's Civic campus.
Four paramedics -- three women and one man -- were busy filling out reports from their night's calls when they saw the struggle and intervened.
The attacker raised his bloody knife to slash a paramedic when a female paramedic grabbed his arm and kicked him, downing the attacker.
Const. Gregson is in an Ottawa jail awaiting trial.
The Citizen has also learned that RCMP Constable Kevin Gregson, now charged with first-degree murder, was later instructed at an Ottawa disciplinary hearing in November to quit the national police force within two weeks or be fired.
"The RCMP can confirm Const. Gregson did go to the commissioner's home to drop off some material, without incident. This was in violation of one of the conditions of his earlier suspension, which was to not attend the home of any employee of the RCMP without being specifically invited," Sergeant Pat Flood said in a statement to the Citizen. The force would not say when Const. Gregson went to the commissioner's home.
"A disciplinary hearing on violations of the conditions of his suspension was held in November 2009 in Ottawa under the RCMP code of conduct.
"The board directed Const. Gregson to resign from the force within 14 days or be dismissed. He appealed that ruling," Sgt. Flood said. The appeal has not been heard.
Const. Gregson, 43, told his parents about the visit he paid to the RCMP commissioner's home, the Citizen has also learned.
The Citizen has learned that Const. Gregson visited his parents, who live in Gloucester, an Ottawa suburb, in the hours before the stabbing.
Const. Czapnik, 51, was attacked at 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 29 as he wrote notes from his final call -- an alleged sex assault on a librarian -- in his cruiser outside the emergency department of the Ottawa Hospital's Civic campus.
Four paramedics -- three women and one man -- were busy filling out reports from their night's calls when they saw the struggle and intervened.
The attacker raised his bloody knife to slash a paramedic when a female paramedic grabbed his arm and kicked him, downing the attacker.
Const. Gregson is in an Ottawa jail awaiting trial.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Reserve Officer Jason Walker Charged with Faking Degree
Police in suburban Saanich are combing their files to see whether a therapist accused of falsely claiming to hold two doctoral degrees testified in criminal cases during his 21/2 years as a reserve constable with the force.
Jason Matthew Walker, 31, was charged Dec. 31 with fraud after he reported to police in August that a client of his counselling clinic, a six-year-old child, claimed he had been abused by his father. In his sworn affidavit in the case, which was part of a custody battle, Walker indicated he held two doctoral degrees.
Reserve constables testify as witnesses in criminal cases, but those cases are unlikely to be serious, said Saanich police spokeswoman Sgt. Julie Fast. "The vast majority of calls are about noise complaints, shoplifters and incidents of that nature."
Jason Matthew Walker, 31, was charged Dec. 31 with fraud after he reported to police in August that a client of his counselling clinic, a six-year-old child, claimed he had been abused by his father. In his sworn affidavit in the case, which was part of a custody battle, Walker indicated he held two doctoral degrees.
Reserve constables testify as witnesses in criminal cases, but those cases are unlikely to be serious, said Saanich police spokeswoman Sgt. Julie Fast. "The vast majority of calls are about noise complaints, shoplifters and incidents of that nature."
Monday, January 04, 2010
Sgt Darcy Taylor Charged with Assault with Weapon
A veteran city police officer is facing an assault charge in an incident last summer.
Sergeant Darcy Taylor was today charged with a count of assault with a weapon for allegedly striking a man in the chest with a baton and knocking him down.
The incident last August 23 came during a police response to a 2:15 a.m. fight in central Vancouver that prompted the officer, who has 20 years experience and was first on the scene, to call for emergency cover.
The alleged victim was not injured.
Inspector Mario Giardini of the force's professional standards office told a news conference that regional crown counsel laid the charge today based on information gathered by a Vancouver police investigation into the matter.
Asked what made the confrontation egregious enough to warrant charges, Insp. Giardini urged reporters to read the criminal code.
“It really doesn't take much to commit an assault,” he said.
The inspector described the matter of an officer being charged with assault as rare.
He declined further comment on the case because the matter is before the courts.
The inspector said the sergeant continues to work in “non-operational” duties.
Sergeant Darcy Taylor was today charged with a count of assault with a weapon for allegedly striking a man in the chest with a baton and knocking him down.
The incident last August 23 came during a police response to a 2:15 a.m. fight in central Vancouver that prompted the officer, who has 20 years experience and was first on the scene, to call for emergency cover.
The alleged victim was not injured.
Inspector Mario Giardini of the force's professional standards office told a news conference that regional crown counsel laid the charge today based on information gathered by a Vancouver police investigation into the matter.
Asked what made the confrontation egregious enough to warrant charges, Insp. Giardini urged reporters to read the criminal code.
“It really doesn't take much to commit an assault,” he said.
The inspector described the matter of an officer being charged with assault as rare.
He declined further comment on the case because the matter is before the courts.
The inspector said the sergeant continues to work in “non-operational” duties.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Const Kevin Gregson Charged with Killing Officer
An RCMP officer accused in the stabbing death of an Ottawa police officer was allegedly dressed like a detective, wearing a Kevlar vest, a holster and carrying a pellet gun, sources tell CTV Ottawa.
Const. Kevin Gregson, 43, is under suicide watch following a court appearance where he faced first-degree murder charges in connection with the death.
He held his head low during the appearance on Wednesday morning, and is remanded in protective custody until Jan. 7.
Gregson is charged with first-degree murder, robbery and using an imitation firearm.
The robbery charge is in relation to a vehicle that was found parked at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, where Const. Eric Czapnik, 51, was killed.
Judge Richard Sculthorpe granted a Crown request to put Gregson under suicide watch on Wednesday morning.
However, defence lawyer Israel Gencher said the move is precautionary.
"It's a precaution that the police are seeking. Something during the course of their interviews have caused them to have concerns; and in an abundance of caution, they've requested it from the court," said Gencher.
He said he could not comment on the state of his client's mind. However, he is considering asking for a psychiatric assessment for his client.
He also said it's common for police officers to be granted protective custody regardless of the situation because police have been known to be in danger when they are put behind bars.
Family shaken by charges
Gregson's parents, who were visibly shaken and upset, sat in the courtroom as their son appeared before the judge. They asked not to be questioned by the media.
"His parents are understandable quite upset. They are asking to please honour their privacy," said Gencher.
"They're elderly. This has rocked their world and they're really not in a position to give a statement at this time."
He said his next step is to take the case to a superior court judge to ask for bail for his client.
Suspect's past
Gregson -- who has two daughters and is originally from Ottawa -- worked for the RCMP in Saskatchewan. He was suspended with pay in 2006. However, he was recently suspended without pay.
Gencher could not say how long his client has been residing in Ottawa, or where he was living.
In 2006, Gregson was arrested for pulling a knife on a Mormon church official in Regina.
He received a conditional discharge after explaining to the court that he had recently undergone brain surgery for cysts on his brain.
Following the incident, a formal RCMP board reviewed the case in 2008 and ordered Gregson to either resign or be dismissed.
Gregson appealed the decision, which is currently being reviewed by an external review committee.
Murder charges
The charges were laid Tuesday night, more than 15 hours after Czapnik was killed.
Police say Czapnik was sitting in his cruiser outside the emergency room of the Ottawa Hospital taking notes on an unrelated case when he was attacked by a male suspect at about 4:30 a.m.
RCMP Commissioner William Elliott said late Tuesday that he was "shocked" to learn the suspect charged in the case was a member of the RCMP.
Love for others
Czapnik was a Polish immigrant who moved to Canada in 1990. He was a proud father of three sons and one daughter.
He joined the Ottawa police force late in life, after deciding to follow in his father's footsteps in 2007.
Those who knew Czapnik say it was his love for people and his determination that brought him to the ranks of the Ottawa police.
"His dream was to be a police officer," said friend Roger Furmanczyk, who sits on the parish council of the St-Hyacinth Polish Church, where Czapnik was a parishioner.
Others remembered him as a man who always had a smile on his face, and left a powerful impression on everyone he met.
"He will be missed certainly by everybody -- by his family, our community and the entire Ottawa community. It's a loss for all of us," said Wlodek Ciepala, who played soccer with Czapnik.
A memorial will be held at the St-Hyacinth Polish Church at 201 LeBreton St. N. on Monday.
Outpouring of support
People streamed in and out of Ottawa police headquarters on Wednesday to sign a book of condolences for the slain officer.
Many wiped away tears and tried to muffle sniffles as they wrote messages of support. The book at 474 Elgin St. is available to sign 24 hours a day.
Other books of condolences are also available at police stations across the city from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Those locations include:
* 4561 Bank St.,
* 211 Huntmar Dr.,
* 3343 St. Joseph Blvd.,
* and 245 Greenbank Rd.
Those who can't make it to the police station are invited to send email messages to info@ottawapolice.ca.
His funeral will be held at Lansdowne Park on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Visitations will be at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Donations to a trust fund for the children can be made at the Ottawa Police Credit Union at 274 Elgin Street.
Const. Kevin Gregson, 43, is under suicide watch following a court appearance where he faced first-degree murder charges in connection with the death.
He held his head low during the appearance on Wednesday morning, and is remanded in protective custody until Jan. 7.
Gregson is charged with first-degree murder, robbery and using an imitation firearm.
The robbery charge is in relation to a vehicle that was found parked at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, where Const. Eric Czapnik, 51, was killed.
Judge Richard Sculthorpe granted a Crown request to put Gregson under suicide watch on Wednesday morning.
However, defence lawyer Israel Gencher said the move is precautionary.
"It's a precaution that the police are seeking. Something during the course of their interviews have caused them to have concerns; and in an abundance of caution, they've requested it from the court," said Gencher.
He said he could not comment on the state of his client's mind. However, he is considering asking for a psychiatric assessment for his client.
He also said it's common for police officers to be granted protective custody regardless of the situation because police have been known to be in danger when they are put behind bars.
Family shaken by charges
Gregson's parents, who were visibly shaken and upset, sat in the courtroom as their son appeared before the judge. They asked not to be questioned by the media.
"His parents are understandable quite upset. They are asking to please honour their privacy," said Gencher.
"They're elderly. This has rocked their world and they're really not in a position to give a statement at this time."
He said his next step is to take the case to a superior court judge to ask for bail for his client.
Suspect's past
Gregson -- who has two daughters and is originally from Ottawa -- worked for the RCMP in Saskatchewan. He was suspended with pay in 2006. However, he was recently suspended without pay.
Gencher could not say how long his client has been residing in Ottawa, or where he was living.
In 2006, Gregson was arrested for pulling a knife on a Mormon church official in Regina.
He received a conditional discharge after explaining to the court that he had recently undergone brain surgery for cysts on his brain.
Following the incident, a formal RCMP board reviewed the case in 2008 and ordered Gregson to either resign or be dismissed.
Gregson appealed the decision, which is currently being reviewed by an external review committee.
Murder charges
The charges were laid Tuesday night, more than 15 hours after Czapnik was killed.
Police say Czapnik was sitting in his cruiser outside the emergency room of the Ottawa Hospital taking notes on an unrelated case when he was attacked by a male suspect at about 4:30 a.m.
RCMP Commissioner William Elliott said late Tuesday that he was "shocked" to learn the suspect charged in the case was a member of the RCMP.
Love for others
Czapnik was a Polish immigrant who moved to Canada in 1990. He was a proud father of three sons and one daughter.
He joined the Ottawa police force late in life, after deciding to follow in his father's footsteps in 2007.
Those who knew Czapnik say it was his love for people and his determination that brought him to the ranks of the Ottawa police.
"His dream was to be a police officer," said friend Roger Furmanczyk, who sits on the parish council of the St-Hyacinth Polish Church, where Czapnik was a parishioner.
Others remembered him as a man who always had a smile on his face, and left a powerful impression on everyone he met.
"He will be missed certainly by everybody -- by his family, our community and the entire Ottawa community. It's a loss for all of us," said Wlodek Ciepala, who played soccer with Czapnik.
A memorial will be held at the St-Hyacinth Polish Church at 201 LeBreton St. N. on Monday.
Outpouring of support
People streamed in and out of Ottawa police headquarters on Wednesday to sign a book of condolences for the slain officer.
Many wiped away tears and tried to muffle sniffles as they wrote messages of support. The book at 474 Elgin St. is available to sign 24 hours a day.
Other books of condolences are also available at police stations across the city from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Those locations include:
* 4561 Bank St.,
* 211 Huntmar Dr.,
* 3343 St. Joseph Blvd.,
* and 245 Greenbank Rd.
Those who can't make it to the police station are invited to send email messages to info@ottawapolice.ca.
His funeral will be held at Lansdowne Park on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Visitations will be at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Donations to a trust fund for the children can be made at the Ottawa Police Credit Union at 274 Elgin Street.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Man says Officer Struck Him with Night Stick
Montreal police on Monday defended the “heavy-handed” tactics used when evacuating a downtown métro station Saturday night, saying they were dealing with a volatile situation that came close to being a full-scale riot.
Several innocent passengers caught up in the brawl say they were struck by aggressive police officers wielding night sticks and screaming at them to leave the Place des Arts station.
“It was a very dangerous situation and we had to restore order,” said Sergeant Ian Lafrenière of the Montreal police’s media relations division.
“I am not going to tell you that everything went perfectly. I am sorry if people weren’t treated the right way.”
Lafrenière said some youths were running in the tunnel between the stations and others were pelting police with bottles. The trouble started after a fight broke out between a large group of youths in a métro car between the McGill and Place des Arts stations.
Police, who were called after the emergency brake was pulled several times, were attacked by a large gang of youths on the platform. They called for backup and dozens of tactical squad officers with helmets and night sticks arrived to clear the station, which was packed with Boxing Day shoppers who were heading home.
“When you are facing an aggressive group who are throwing objects, it requires a huge police presence,” he said.
Bill Ryan, 50, was heading to Longueuil to visit family when he was caught up in the near-riot.
“There were hundreds of people, people who had come out of stores with bags, elderly people and children,” Ryan said.
Ryan said he takes issue with the manner in which police evacuated the station. When the order to evacuate was given, Ryan and his partner headed toward the Bleury St. exit, which was about six metres from the last métro car, where they had been standing.
But Ryan said a large group of officers refused to let them use that exit and ordered them to walk the entire length of platform to the Jeanne Mance St. exit. In doing so, they herded many passengers toward the middle of the platform, where a large group of youths were jostling with police.
“They were pushing us toward the problem – we weren’t being protected,” Ryan said. “I don’t think we were being handled like innocent citizens caught up in a situation.”
When he eventually made it past the unruly crowd to the other exit, Ryan said he couldn’t get up the stairs because a large group of youths were streaming down the stairs. When he complained to an officer, he said the officer struck him with a night stick and told him to get outside.
Ryan also questioned why police allowed so many passengers to get off at the Place des Arts station when there was a large group of youths trying to fight with police on the platform. “It was like New York City at rush hour – we were shoulder to shoulder,” he said.
Lafrenière said he couldn’t comment on those specific complaints. However, he said police officers who have orders to evacuate a métro station don’t have time to talk to citizens, who are seeking explanations for what is going on.
“This isn’t the kind of situation when you have time to talk to people,” he said. “When you see officers in helmets, you have to leave.”
Apart from the métro patrol squad, officers from downtown stations and the tactical squad were also deployed to the stations during the brawl.
As is the case with all major police interventions, senior officers will meet to review how the situation was handled, Lafrenière said.
“We were able to restore order and no one was seriously injured,” he said. “But we can do better.”
Several innocent passengers caught up in the brawl say they were struck by aggressive police officers wielding night sticks and screaming at them to leave the Place des Arts station.
“It was a very dangerous situation and we had to restore order,” said Sergeant Ian Lafrenière of the Montreal police’s media relations division.
“I am not going to tell you that everything went perfectly. I am sorry if people weren’t treated the right way.”
Lafrenière said some youths were running in the tunnel between the stations and others were pelting police with bottles. The trouble started after a fight broke out between a large group of youths in a métro car between the McGill and Place des Arts stations.
Police, who were called after the emergency brake was pulled several times, were attacked by a large gang of youths on the platform. They called for backup and dozens of tactical squad officers with helmets and night sticks arrived to clear the station, which was packed with Boxing Day shoppers who were heading home.
“When you are facing an aggressive group who are throwing objects, it requires a huge police presence,” he said.
Bill Ryan, 50, was heading to Longueuil to visit family when he was caught up in the near-riot.
“There were hundreds of people, people who had come out of stores with bags, elderly people and children,” Ryan said.
Ryan said he takes issue with the manner in which police evacuated the station. When the order to evacuate was given, Ryan and his partner headed toward the Bleury St. exit, which was about six metres from the last métro car, where they had been standing.
But Ryan said a large group of officers refused to let them use that exit and ordered them to walk the entire length of platform to the Jeanne Mance St. exit. In doing so, they herded many passengers toward the middle of the platform, where a large group of youths were jostling with police.
“They were pushing us toward the problem – we weren’t being protected,” Ryan said. “I don’t think we were being handled like innocent citizens caught up in a situation.”
When he eventually made it past the unruly crowd to the other exit, Ryan said he couldn’t get up the stairs because a large group of youths were streaming down the stairs. When he complained to an officer, he said the officer struck him with a night stick and told him to get outside.
Ryan also questioned why police allowed so many passengers to get off at the Place des Arts station when there was a large group of youths trying to fight with police on the platform. “It was like New York City at rush hour – we were shoulder to shoulder,” he said.
Lafrenière said he couldn’t comment on those specific complaints. However, he said police officers who have orders to evacuate a métro station don’t have time to talk to citizens, who are seeking explanations for what is going on.
“This isn’t the kind of situation when you have time to talk to people,” he said. “When you see officers in helmets, you have to leave.”
Apart from the métro patrol squad, officers from downtown stations and the tactical squad were also deployed to the stations during the brawl.
As is the case with all major police interventions, senior officers will meet to review how the situation was handled, Lafrenière said.
“We were able to restore order and no one was seriously injured,” he said. “But we can do better.”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Const. Jeffrey Buchanan Charged with Extorting Money
The Halifax police constable charged Sunday with extorting money from a man last week is accused of receiving $5,100, according to court documents obtained by CBC News.
The prosecution documents claim that Const. Jeffrey Buchanan, 29, demanded the money from Shawn Banfield, who is scheduled to be in provincial court Wednesday to face other charges.
The allegation details are in documents that are publicly available at the courthouse. They have yet to be proven.
The extortion is alleged to have happened in Halifax on Thursday, Dec. 10.
Buchanan was arrested Saturday at 2:30 a.m. while on duty and charged early Sunday. He is not in custody but has been suspended with pay.
He is scheduled to be in court on Jan. 26 to face charges of extortion and breach of trust.
Banfield is due in court Wednesday to face charges of assault and resisting and obstructing a police officer, dating to Dec. 9 and 10.
On Sunday, Halifax deputy police chief Chris McNeil said a "complex" investigation was conducted by the integrated Halifax Regional Police and RCMP team.
"Some of the witnesses were not necessarily forthcoming and co-operative," he said. "This is not a complainant who came forward to say 'I was extorted.'
"This is circumstances where police uncovered criminal activity and had to go out and seek out these people and not all of them were co-operative."
The prosecution documents claim that Const. Jeffrey Buchanan, 29, demanded the money from Shawn Banfield, who is scheduled to be in provincial court Wednesday to face other charges.
The allegation details are in documents that are publicly available at the courthouse. They have yet to be proven.
The extortion is alleged to have happened in Halifax on Thursday, Dec. 10.
Buchanan was arrested Saturday at 2:30 a.m. while on duty and charged early Sunday. He is not in custody but has been suspended with pay.
He is scheduled to be in court on Jan. 26 to face charges of extortion and breach of trust.
Banfield is due in court Wednesday to face charges of assault and resisting and obstructing a police officer, dating to Dec. 9 and 10.
On Sunday, Halifax deputy police chief Chris McNeil said a "complex" investigation was conducted by the integrated Halifax Regional Police and RCMP team.
"Some of the witnesses were not necessarily forthcoming and co-operative," he said. "This is not a complainant who came forward to say 'I was extorted.'
"This is circumstances where police uncovered criminal activity and had to go out and seek out these people and not all of them were co-operative."
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Deputy Tyrone David Arrested for Smuggling Drugs
A man sworn to protect the public and safely escort prisoners has been arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the provincial jail system.
Tyrone David was picked up Friday morning after he allegedly met up with a woman at a strip mall parking lot in the 300 block of Pleasant Street in Dartmouth. The meeting and alleged transaction took place just before 9 a.m., police said.
Both the 40-year-old deputy sheriff, who was in uniform at the time, and the woman left in separate cars. She was later arrested after she was pulled over by police on Chadwick Street.
The deputy sheriff was taken into custody in the parking lot of the Dartmouth provincial courthouse, not far away.
On Friday evening, police sent out a news release saying they had charged Mr. David, 40, with 12 counts of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Kathleen Kierans, 22, has been charged with 12 counts of trafficking.
Justice Minister Ross Landry said Friday that the sheriff, who’s been on the job about five years, is on paid administrative leave.
Police wouldn’t reveal what kind of drugs were allegedly exchanged during the meeting, but sources told this newspaper that a quantity of cocaine and cash were involved, and were passed from the woman to the deputy sheriff.
Sources said the woman is the girlfriend of well-known crime figure Jimmy Melvin Jr. but police would not confirm that report.
Mr. Melvin didn’t appear in court Friday morning but his lawyer, Josh Arnold, made an appearance on his behalf.
Mr. Melvin’s case was on the docket Friday so a date could be set for his preliminary hearing on charges of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, violating a weapons prohibition order, being in a vehicle that contained a prohibited weapon and possessing ecstasy and an anti-anxiety drug. He also faces charges of breaching bail conditions from a previous release.
It’s not believed Mr. Melvin, who’ll be back in court on Nov. 18 for the preliminary hearing along with two co-accused, will face any charges in connection with Friday’s arrests, the sources said.
Mr. Arnold said Friday that he couldn’t comment on any connection between the 22-year-old woman who was arrested and his client. He said he hadn’t heard anything about the deputy sheriff’s or the woman’s arrest.
Halifax Regional Police spokeswoman Theresa Rath said officers didn’t randomly stumble across the drug deal.
"This investigation occurred over a series of days. We were acting on information that we had received," she said Friday.
Ms. Rath wouldn’t reveal what makes police think the drugs were going to the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth.
"We can’t get into why we think that, but suffice it to say that based on the evidence that was seized, we believe that the drugs were destined for transportation into the corrections system. Our investigation will continue (looking) as to where (the drugs) may have been destined and to whom."
She said police haven’t received information to suggest that any other deputy sheriffs were involved.
Mr. Landry called the situation very disappointing.
"It’s always a concern when one of your employees is alleged to be involved in illicit activities," he told reporters at Province House. ""It raises a concern."
He said the positive in the situation is that drugs were kept out of the Burnside jail.
"That’s our goal and if any of our employees are involved in drug usage, we have a zero tolerance policy and we adhere to that strongly."
Aside from the police force’s investigation, Justice Department officials are also conducting their own probe.
Mr. Landry said officials believe it is an isolated incident. But Liberal justice critic Michel Samson said there have been lots of stories about drug use in prison, so he thinks the Justice Department investigation should be fairly broad.
"It might be time for the minister to take a look and determine exactly how is it that illegal drugs continue to get inside of our correctional facilities in light of the protocols that one would think are in place to prevent that from happening," said Mr. Samson.
Sources from the jail have said drugs regularly find their way inside, especially on court days, weekends and holidays.
One inmate from the Burnside jail was taken to hospital in the past month suffering from an overdose. Sources said he overdosed on ecstasy but his life wasn’t in danger.
Former Crown attorney Anne Calder is awaiting trial dates on charges of trying to pass drugs to a client at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility on July 14.
She faces several charges, including trafficking in prescription painkillers, possession of the painkillers for the purpose of trafficking and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
Mr. Samson and Tory MLA Cecil Clarke, a former justice minister, said Friday’s arrest is an unfortunate blemish on the dedicated workers in Sheriff Services.
Mr. Clarke said he expects swift, strong action.
"An example needs to be made and a message needs to be sent," Mr. Clarke said.
The province can’t tolerate its employees taking drugs into jails, whether or not they’ve been coerced.
No one from the union representing Sheriff Services workers was available for comment Friday.
Meanwhile, it’s not clear whether the cases against Walter Allan Gerrior and Kerry-Anne Zwicker, co-accused with Mr. Melvin, will be able to proceed Nov. 18 because they don’t have lawyers yet. Mr. Gerrior, like Mr. Melvin, has been in custody since they were arrested in September, and will be back in Dartmouth court Tuesday for a bail hearing.
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http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/10/09/ns-deputy-sheriff.html
Tyrone David was picked up Friday morning after he allegedly met up with a woman at a strip mall parking lot in the 300 block of Pleasant Street in Dartmouth. The meeting and alleged transaction took place just before 9 a.m., police said.
Both the 40-year-old deputy sheriff, who was in uniform at the time, and the woman left in separate cars. She was later arrested after she was pulled over by police on Chadwick Street.
The deputy sheriff was taken into custody in the parking lot of the Dartmouth provincial courthouse, not far away.
On Friday evening, police sent out a news release saying they had charged Mr. David, 40, with 12 counts of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Kathleen Kierans, 22, has been charged with 12 counts of trafficking.
Justice Minister Ross Landry said Friday that the sheriff, who’s been on the job about five years, is on paid administrative leave.
Police wouldn’t reveal what kind of drugs were allegedly exchanged during the meeting, but sources told this newspaper that a quantity of cocaine and cash were involved, and were passed from the woman to the deputy sheriff.
Sources said the woman is the girlfriend of well-known crime figure Jimmy Melvin Jr. but police would not confirm that report.
Mr. Melvin didn’t appear in court Friday morning but his lawyer, Josh Arnold, made an appearance on his behalf.
Mr. Melvin’s case was on the docket Friday so a date could be set for his preliminary hearing on charges of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, violating a weapons prohibition order, being in a vehicle that contained a prohibited weapon and possessing ecstasy and an anti-anxiety drug. He also faces charges of breaching bail conditions from a previous release.
It’s not believed Mr. Melvin, who’ll be back in court on Nov. 18 for the preliminary hearing along with two co-accused, will face any charges in connection with Friday’s arrests, the sources said.
Mr. Arnold said Friday that he couldn’t comment on any connection between the 22-year-old woman who was arrested and his client. He said he hadn’t heard anything about the deputy sheriff’s or the woman’s arrest.
Halifax Regional Police spokeswoman Theresa Rath said officers didn’t randomly stumble across the drug deal.
"This investigation occurred over a series of days. We were acting on information that we had received," she said Friday.
Ms. Rath wouldn’t reveal what makes police think the drugs were going to the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth.
"We can’t get into why we think that, but suffice it to say that based on the evidence that was seized, we believe that the drugs were destined for transportation into the corrections system. Our investigation will continue (looking) as to where (the drugs) may have been destined and to whom."
She said police haven’t received information to suggest that any other deputy sheriffs were involved.
Mr. Landry called the situation very disappointing.
"It’s always a concern when one of your employees is alleged to be involved in illicit activities," he told reporters at Province House. ""It raises a concern."
He said the positive in the situation is that drugs were kept out of the Burnside jail.
"That’s our goal and if any of our employees are involved in drug usage, we have a zero tolerance policy and we adhere to that strongly."
Aside from the police force’s investigation, Justice Department officials are also conducting their own probe.
Mr. Landry said officials believe it is an isolated incident. But Liberal justice critic Michel Samson said there have been lots of stories about drug use in prison, so he thinks the Justice Department investigation should be fairly broad.
"It might be time for the minister to take a look and determine exactly how is it that illegal drugs continue to get inside of our correctional facilities in light of the protocols that one would think are in place to prevent that from happening," said Mr. Samson.
Sources from the jail have said drugs regularly find their way inside, especially on court days, weekends and holidays.
One inmate from the Burnside jail was taken to hospital in the past month suffering from an overdose. Sources said he overdosed on ecstasy but his life wasn’t in danger.
Former Crown attorney Anne Calder is awaiting trial dates on charges of trying to pass drugs to a client at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility on July 14.
She faces several charges, including trafficking in prescription painkillers, possession of the painkillers for the purpose of trafficking and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
Mr. Samson and Tory MLA Cecil Clarke, a former justice minister, said Friday’s arrest is an unfortunate blemish on the dedicated workers in Sheriff Services.
Mr. Clarke said he expects swift, strong action.
"An example needs to be made and a message needs to be sent," Mr. Clarke said.
The province can’t tolerate its employees taking drugs into jails, whether or not they’ve been coerced.
No one from the union representing Sheriff Services workers was available for comment Friday.
Meanwhile, it’s not clear whether the cases against Walter Allan Gerrior and Kerry-Anne Zwicker, co-accused with Mr. Melvin, will be able to proceed Nov. 18 because they don’t have lawyers yet. Mr. Gerrior, like Mr. Melvin, has been in custody since they were arrested in September, and will be back in Dartmouth court Tuesday for a bail hearing.
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http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/10/09/ns-deputy-sheriff.html
Monday, August 17, 2009
Cst. Sheldon Cook Accused of Stealing Fake Cocaine
A Peel Regional Police officer accused of stealing bogus bricks of cocaine from a delivery truck in Mississauga testified today that he saw his immediate boss take a box containing the unknown substance from the vehicle and walk away with it.
Cst. Sheldon Cook, 40, told court he didn't know why Det. Marty Rykhoff removed the box from inside the truck on the night of Nov. 16, 2005. But he suspected Rykhoff had a good reason because of his morality experience.
Cook, one of several officers working under Rykhoff that night, is accused of stealing 15 of 102 bricks of the "cocaine" seized hours earlier from a courier cargo truck at the force's Lakeshore community station in Mississauga.
Cook has pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges.
The drugs turned out to be flour, part of a botched RCMP controlled delivery from Peru to Canada that went missing 12 hours earlier after arriving at Mississauga's Pearson International Airport.
Cook, a 14-year veteran, said he never thought the drugs he's accused of stealing were real.
Having some street crime experience with drugs, Cook rubbed a bit of the white, chalky, powdery substance found in a football-sized beige package between his fingers to see if he could tell what it was.
"Usually cocaine has a crystal look and it breaks down into an oily substance when it's rubbed between your fingers," Cook said. "This was dull. It remained chalky. There was also no odour usually associated with cocaine or heroin ..."
In February, Rykhoff denied taking any of the boxes with the cocaine-like substance when he testified as a federal Crown witness in the trial that began last November.
He also denied framing Cook by stealing what he thought were bricks of cocaine and then placing them in the trunk of the accused man's police cruiser.
Rykhoff, a 24-year-veteran officer, also denied telling Cook to “secure” the box - and that he would return it to morality the following day.
Defence lawyer Pat Ducharme has suggested this trial that Cook didn’t take any of the suspected drugs and didn’t know anything about them until he opened the trunk of his cruiser at the end of his shift.
He suggested Cook took the box home and put it in his garage under Rykhoff’s orders, believing his immediate boss would pick it up the next day. But Rykhoff didn’t show up. Instead, he went to Halifax with friends for a college football game, faking illness and phoning in sick.
Rykhoff was subsequently convicted of Police Act offences and docked five days pay. He was also suspended until mid-January 2006.
Two days later, RCMP investigators used a GPS signal hidden in the missing box to locate the 15 bricks in a compartment in a Sea-Do in the garage at Cook’s Cambridge home. Officers executing a search warrant also found marijuana and several MP3 players allegedly taken from an un-related investigation.
Federal prosecutors David Rowcliffe and Ania Weiler say Cook took the fake bricks of cocaine, which he believed were real, during his involvement as part of Rykhoff’s crew.
Cook is charged with attempting to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property (MP3 players) from a police investigation and breach of trust as a police officer. He remains suspended with pay.
The trial continues this afternoon.
Cst. Sheldon Cook, 40, told court he didn't know why Det. Marty Rykhoff removed the box from inside the truck on the night of Nov. 16, 2005. But he suspected Rykhoff had a good reason because of his morality experience.
Cook, one of several officers working under Rykhoff that night, is accused of stealing 15 of 102 bricks of the "cocaine" seized hours earlier from a courier cargo truck at the force's Lakeshore community station in Mississauga.
Cook has pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges.
The drugs turned out to be flour, part of a botched RCMP controlled delivery from Peru to Canada that went missing 12 hours earlier after arriving at Mississauga's Pearson International Airport.
Cook, a 14-year veteran, said he never thought the drugs he's accused of stealing were real.
Having some street crime experience with drugs, Cook rubbed a bit of the white, chalky, powdery substance found in a football-sized beige package between his fingers to see if he could tell what it was.
"Usually cocaine has a crystal look and it breaks down into an oily substance when it's rubbed between your fingers," Cook said. "This was dull. It remained chalky. There was also no odour usually associated with cocaine or heroin ..."
In February, Rykhoff denied taking any of the boxes with the cocaine-like substance when he testified as a federal Crown witness in the trial that began last November.
He also denied framing Cook by stealing what he thought were bricks of cocaine and then placing them in the trunk of the accused man's police cruiser.
Rykhoff, a 24-year-veteran officer, also denied telling Cook to “secure” the box - and that he would return it to morality the following day.
Defence lawyer Pat Ducharme has suggested this trial that Cook didn’t take any of the suspected drugs and didn’t know anything about them until he opened the trunk of his cruiser at the end of his shift.
He suggested Cook took the box home and put it in his garage under Rykhoff’s orders, believing his immediate boss would pick it up the next day. But Rykhoff didn’t show up. Instead, he went to Halifax with friends for a college football game, faking illness and phoning in sick.
Rykhoff was subsequently convicted of Police Act offences and docked five days pay. He was also suspended until mid-January 2006.
Two days later, RCMP investigators used a GPS signal hidden in the missing box to locate the 15 bricks in a compartment in a Sea-Do in the garage at Cook’s Cambridge home. Officers executing a search warrant also found marijuana and several MP3 players allegedly taken from an un-related investigation.
Federal prosecutors David Rowcliffe and Ania Weiler say Cook took the fake bricks of cocaine, which he believed were real, during his involvement as part of Rykhoff’s crew.
Cook is charged with attempting to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property (MP3 players) from a police investigation and breach of trust as a police officer. He remains suspended with pay.
The trial continues this afternoon.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Undercover Officer Charged with Street Racing
An undercover Durham Regional Police officer had his cover blown Wednesday by an unlikely suspect: the Ontario Provincial Police, who charged him with street racing and impounded his unmarked police car.
The incident was No. 3 in a curious summer string of embarrassing driving-related arrests involving GTA emergency personnel. In late June, a Toronto deputy fire chief was charged with street racing. In July, a Toronto paramedic and union leader was charged with stealing an ambulance.
The 34-year-old male Durham officer, a 10-year veteran of the force, was accused of driving 150 km/h or faster on Highway 115 in Peterborough County on Wednesday afternoon. The OPP would not release his name for fear the disclosure would compromise his work.
In addition to losing his police car, the officer's driver's licence was suspended for a week. He could face professional discipline, depending on the facts and outcome of the case, said Durham Insp. Bruce Townley. He said the incident was "extremely disappointing," given the force's focus on road safety.
Toronto deputy fire chief Daryl Fuglerud's driver's licence was suspended and his department SUV was impounded when he was charged for driving faster than 150 km/h on June 26. He said he was late for a funeral.
Glenn Fontaine, a paramedic and the ambulance unit chair of Local 416 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, was charged with theft and mischief after an ambulance with a union poster on it was abandoned with its lights flashing outside city hall early on June 22, the first day of the city workers' strike.
The incident was No. 3 in a curious summer string of embarrassing driving-related arrests involving GTA emergency personnel. In late June, a Toronto deputy fire chief was charged with street racing. In July, a Toronto paramedic and union leader was charged with stealing an ambulance.
The 34-year-old male Durham officer, a 10-year veteran of the force, was accused of driving 150 km/h or faster on Highway 115 in Peterborough County on Wednesday afternoon. The OPP would not release his name for fear the disclosure would compromise his work.
In addition to losing his police car, the officer's driver's licence was suspended for a week. He could face professional discipline, depending on the facts and outcome of the case, said Durham Insp. Bruce Townley. He said the incident was "extremely disappointing," given the force's focus on road safety.
Toronto deputy fire chief Daryl Fuglerud's driver's licence was suspended and his department SUV was impounded when he was charged for driving faster than 150 km/h on June 26. He said he was late for a funeral.
Glenn Fontaine, a paramedic and the ambulance unit chair of Local 416 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, was charged with theft and mischief after an ambulance with a union poster on it was abandoned with its lights flashing outside city hall early on June 22, the first day of the city workers' strike.
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