Community groups in Hamilton 'very concerned' about alleged assault of Indigenous man by police officer

The Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC) says the Indigenous community is "very concerned" about reports of a local police officer assaulting an Indigenous man during an arrest in late May.

Deputy police chief Ryan Diodati told CBC Hamilton the incident took place at a gas station on the Mountain in the evening on May 26 when police were carrying out a stolen vehicle investigation.

Diodati said police saw a video of the arrest, which led to Const. Brian Wren being immediately suspended.

He said police contacted the Special Investigations Unit, but the watchdog didn't investigate because the injuries weren't severe enough.

It prompted Hamilton police to do its own criminal investigation and eventually charge Wren with assault on June 16.

Wren has been with the service for 10 years, police previously told CBC. Court documents show he lives in Welland and is 45 years old.

Man reportedly assaulted by officers before

On Thursday, HRIC and the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic (HCLC) put out a joint statement about the incident.

"Members of the Indigenous community are very concerned that this appears not to be an isolated incident," read the statement.

Diodati said the police service isn't aware if any prior complaints against Wren, but is "concerned" after reading the statement.

He also said the police service "proactively" contacted HRIC about the Indigenous man's arrest.

HRIC and HCLC didn't respond to requests for comment from CBC Hamilton but the joint statement said this is the second time the Indigenous man has been assaulted by an officer.

Jennifer Steenbeek is the lawyer of the man, Patrick Tomchuk.

She said she's not aware of other cases involving Wren but said Tomchuk "has been assaulted by police on at least one other occasion."

She also said Tomchuk was also charged with assault — resist arrest, stemming from the incident with Wren.

He also has three sets of charges related to theft of property over $5,000, three vehicle thefts, driving while disqualified and other breaches, Steenbeek said. 

Groups want more protection for marginalized groups

She said Tomchuk's bail hearing is set for Wednesday.

Wren's next court date is set for Aug. 18.

The joint statement from HRIC and HCLC said the incident must be taken seriously and called for "major changes" to protect marginalized people.

Diodati said police chief Frank Bergen has contacted the Indigenous community and welcomed a meeting with leaders.

HRIC and HCLC say they will be hosting a press conference in front of police headquarters on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.