BARRIE, Ont. — The chief of police in Barrie, Ont., says she's asking an outside force to conduct an investigation after the violent arrest of a man was caught on video..
In the video, an officer is seen struggling with the man on the ground, and holds what appears to be a stun gun to his shoulder, threatening to "light (him) up."
The video shows the officer then hitting the man on the head with the bright yellow device.
Chief Kimberley Greenwood says that the video is concerning to her and the public.
The cellphone video, shot by a bystander, ends after a second police officer arrives and helps flip the man on his stomach to be handcuffed.
Police say the 20-year-old man was charged with causing a disturbance and assault while attempting to resist arrest.
They said he has been released on a promise to appear in court and an undertaking.
Police said the officer involved in the arrest has been reassigned to alternate duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
Barrie police said negotiations are underway with an outside police service to conduct an independent investigation.
That agency’s contact information will be provided for anyone who witnessed the occurrence, which took place on a downtown street, once the arrangements are in place.
Mayor Jeff Lehman tweeted on Thursday night he had seen the video, which was posted on social media.
"This will be fully investigated," said Lehman. "I won't be ignoring this, and once we have all the details, there will be full accountability."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2021.
The Canadian Press
