Winnipeg police officer with history of alleged misconduct sued again

A Winnipeg police officer with a history of alleged misconduct is facing another lawsuit claiming he used force during an unlawful arrest. 

The lawsuit, filed by Leo Lafreniere, alleges Jeffrey Norman Tasered him and unlawfully arrested him after Lafreniere was pulled over while riding his e-bike.

In a statement of claim filed in the Court of King's bench on Wednesday, Lafreniere alleges he was riding his e-bike on Oct. 1, 2022 when a police officer pulled him over.

The officer, Jason Chymyshyn, who is also named in the suit, asked Lafreniere for his licence and registration.

While gathering the information, the lawsuit says, Norman arrived on the scene in a separate police vehicle.

Lafreniere says he protested having to show this information, and asked the officers why he was being stopped. 

He alleges Chymyshyn told him it was for a routine licence and registration check, and when he further protested, he was told he was being charged with resisting arrest. 

He was wrestled to the ground by both officers and Norman Tasered him "numerous times," according to the lawsuit.

None of the allegations in the statement of claim have been tested in court. A statement of defence has not been filed.

The suit says Norman then applied a knee to Lafreniere's groin.

"At no time did the plaintiff utter any threat or apply physical force," the lawsuit states.

Following the arrest, Lafreniere alleges in the suit his knapsack was searched by the officers and $500 in cash was seized and never returned.

Lafreniere was charged with resisting arrest and four Highway Traffic Act offences, including driving while disqualified. All were stayed by the Crown, the lawsuit states.

Bike impound cost plaintiff $800

Following Lafreniere's arrest, his e-bike was impounded, costing him more than $800 in fees, the suit alleges. 

The lawsuit states Lafreniere was arrested and forcefully taken to police custody for unreasonable grounds and Lafreniere had the lawful right to be non-compliant.

Norman, the suit alleges, used force that amounted to assault and battery, resulting in burn marks from the Taser, bruising, back pain, psychological fear of police and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lafreniere also alleges his Charter rights were violated. 

Lafreniere seeks general, punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages in an amount determined by the courts. 

History of lawsuits

Norman has been named in at least three previous lawsuits alleging excessive use of force, and was the subject of an investigation by Manitoba's police watchdog in 2019.

That incident involved a cyclist who alleged Norman pepper-sprayed him after he asked Norman to dim his police vehicle's headlights.

No charges were laid after the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba said while "grounds exist to arrest the officer and lay a charge," it was "not satisfied that there is a reasonable likelihood of conviction."

During a February bail hearing in 2020, it was revealed that Norman, while off-duty, knocked a man unconscious who was accused of theft at a Liquor Mart.

The man alleged he hit Norman over the head with a liquor bottle and Norman then struck him in the face with the baton, causing him to black out, according to the defence lawyer. 

That incident wasn't reported to the province's police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit said later in 2020.