Sudbury police officer thought Tanner Currie was going for his gun: report

Morning North6:06Sudbury police officer cleared of excessive force

Why did Greater Sudbury Police clear Constable Christopher Labreche of excessive force? Olivia Stephanovich has exclusive details.For the first time, we're learning why Greater Sudbury Police cleared an officer on accusations of excessive force.

In June of last year, Constable Christopher Labreche threw 20-year-old Tanner Currie, head-first, into a window.

According to a report by the office that oversees police complaints in Ontario, Labreche said he believed Tanner Currie was going for his gun.

Currie filed two complaints with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

The first alleged he was struck by Labreche while being handcuffed.

The second alleged Labreche used excessive force against him while he was being booked at Greater Sudbury Police headquarters.

In the report, Sudbury Police deem both complaints unsubstantiated and stated Labreche struck Currie because he was resisting arrest.

Police also said that, while at the station, Labreche saw Currie's left arm grab his duty belt and unclip his magazine pouch — and Labreche believed Currie was attempting to disarm him or locate his firearm.

That conclusion justified Labreche pushing Currie face-first into a window, breaking the glass, Sudbury police said.

Report 'omits key facts'

Currie's lawyer said his client won't be seeking a review of the report.

Instead, Trent Falldien said he's considering legal action against the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, for allowing Greater Sudbury Police to investigate its own officer.

"I feel that the evidence disclosed in this report omits certain key facts — for example, pictures of the complainant's face," he said.

"[That evidence was] obtained by investigators who have an interest in the Sudbury police."

Greater Sudbury Police Superintendent Sheila Weber said police won't be saying anything about its report for the Office of the Independent Police Review Director because it's bound by law to refrain from comment.