RCMP Taser use on veteran to be investigated by police watchdog
Video surveillance footage shows officers breaking down door, ensuing confrontation with Bruce Webb
Nova Scotia's Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the arrest of a disabled veteran in Lunenburg County who was Tasered by RCMP, an incident that was captured on video surveillance and posted to YouTube.
"I think the video does demonstrate issues," said Ron MacDonald, the director of SIRT, an independent body that investigates all serious incidents arising from police action.
"Issues surrounding the entry of the police into the premises, certainly issues surrounding the arrest and the grounds for the arrest, and the issues surrounding the use of the Taser.
"We certainly haven't reached any conclusions, but those are avenues where our investigation will focus."
Bruce Webb, a veteran of the Canadian air force, was arrested after a late night encounter with the RCMP on Feb. 28 after officers arrived at the Purple Leprechaun Roadhouse in Bayport, N.S.
The restaurant is owned by Webb's fiancée. The pair live above it and Webb uses the space as his living room after hours.
Video footage
It was the second time police had gone to the restaurant that night. Video from security cameras show RCMP breaking down the door of the building and having a confrontation with Webb. He takes a swing at an officer and is then knocked down.
The officer takes out his Taser and Webb tells him: "If you Tase me I may die. I have an implant."
Webb has told CBC News he has an implant in his abdomen that's connected by electrodes to his spine. It helps mitigate chronic pain from a leg injury he has from playing sports in the military.
One of the officers is heard on tape telling Webb he is under arrest, citing "the Involuntary Psychiatric Act." After a further struggle with police Webb is hit with the Taser.
Webb has been charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.
RCMP have said there were "multiple 911 calls" from the property and officers went to arrest the man. But police said they will not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the arrest because Webb's case is before the courts.
SIRT looking for answers
MacDonald said his team will bring an "objective lens" to the investigation and then report its conclusions publicly.
SIRT is in the process of gathering evidence in its investigation. MacDonald said his team will talk to witnesses, collect 911 calls, and try to determine if there is any additional video footage.
"We want to get as much, and all of the information and then make our conclusions."
MacDonald said as far as he knows no other police organizations are investigating the incident.
"At this point though with us taking over jurisdiction, anything such as that will await the outcome of our investigation."
He estimates it will take at least a few months for the investigation to be concluded.