Hamilton

SIU investigates after woman, 24, reported to be seriously injured during arrest by Hamilton police

Ontario's police watchdog is now investigating after a 24-year-old woman was reported to be seriously injured during her arrest by Hamilton police last week.

The Incident happened on Nov. 26, during a protest outside Hamilton Police Service’s central station

A video shared on social media by the Hamilton Center for Civic Inclusion shows several protesters being arrested outside of the central police station. Activists and politicians are among those condemning the arrests and the way they were carried out. (Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion/Twitter)

Ontario's police watchdog is now investigating after a 24-year-old woman was reported to be seriously injured during her arrest by Hamilton police last week.

According to a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) news release, the incident happened on Friday, Nov. 26, during a protest outside Hamilton Police Service's central station.

"During the demonstration, there were interactions between protesters and officers," the SIU said. 

"Officers arrested three people. One woman who was arrested reportedly sustained a serious injury during the course of her arrest."

During a Friday encampment eviction at Beasley Park, police arrested Hamilton Encampment Support Network member Sarah Jama. That sparked protests outside of the central police station.

A video shared by the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) shows protesters chanting about defunding police.

A video appears to show an officer grabbing a member of the group. Shouting begins and police appear to tackle several other crowd members to the ground.

The SIU said three investigators have been assigned to the case and it is urging anyone who may have information in relation to the incident at the protest at Hamilton Police Service's central station, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529.

Corrections

  • A previous version of this story said the SIU is investigating after a woman was injured. The SIU investigation is in fact based on the report of an injury. CBC has also not independently verified the injury. The story has been changed to reflect this.
    Dec 01, 2021 8:56 PM ET