Investigation
SiRT Concludes Investigation Into Serious Injury
Date Published: 2025-07-31
Province: Nova Scotia
Police Agency: Halifax Regional Police
Summary
On April 7, 2025, at approximately 9:14pm, Halifax Regional Police (“HRP”) received a call regarding a disturbance on a Metro Transit bus in Halifax. It was reported that an intoxicated adult male on the bus was smashing windows and taunting other passengers.
Officers responded immediately and confirmed that windows had been broken on the bus and the male responsible had left on foot. A witness on scene stated that the male may be in possession of a knife. This was broadcast over police radio. Witness Officer #1 (“WO1”) located the male (the Affected Party/ the “AP”), advised him he was under arrest, withdrew his CEW (Conducted Energy Weapon/Taser) and ordered him to get on the ground and put his hands behind his back.
The AP got on the ground but did not put his hands behind his back. He recorded part of the interaction on his cell phone and kept his hands underneath him. WO1 continued to provide instructions to put his hands behind his back, but the AP did not comply, and a struggle ensued. WO1 dropped his Taser and delivered several strikes to the AP’s head and face. The AP bit WO1’s finger, causing it to bleed. Other officers arrived to assist. In their notes and statements, they confirm the AP was struggling, kicking, spitting, swearing, and not responding to directions. Multiple officers were reaching for his hands, holding him down, and trying to secure handcuffs. The Subject Officer (“SO”) delivered a knee strike to the AP’s left side to gain control of his left arm.
Once in handcuffs, the AP struggled with police while being escorted to a police vehicle. He was aggressive in the vehicle and at the HRP Prisoner Care Facility, where he was held overnight. The next morning, the AP was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken left rib.