Arrest of man who called police for help Saturday in downtown Orillia was caught on video

[Thomas]

The Toronto Police Service has been called in to investigate a recent incident in Orillia involving an altercation with local officers that was caught on camera.

Early Saturday morning, a Toronto man who called police claiming he had been subjected to homophobic slurs while on Mississaga Street in downtown Orillia ended up being arrested for public intoxication. Video of the arrest shows police punching the man and using a conductive energy weapon on him.

“Upon review of a complaint regarding the conduct of OPP officers involved in this matter, to ensure an independent investigation into the concerns raised and the associated allegations, the OPP has sought the assistance of Toronto Police Service with investigating this matter,” OPP stated in a news release Thursday.

Victor Kwong, a media relations officer for Toronto Police, confirms the incident is being investigated by its Professional Standards Unit. He says the reason why is Foucault, a Toronto resident, reported it to Toronto Police.

Kwong says the investigation is ongoing and could provide no further comment.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or what happened prior to it is asked to call the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-2800.

https://www.orilliamatters.com/police-b ... pp-7547007