The Chief of Barrie Police has requested for an independent investigation into a violent arrest downtown that was caught on video and shared on social media.
The Barrie Police Service says it was made aware of the videos of the arrest which took place on Dunlop Street East near the five points intersection yesterday afternoon.
Police say during this arrest, a 20-year-old Barrie man was charged with causing a disturbance and assault with attempt to resist arrest.
He has since been released from custody with a future court date.
Chief Kimberly Greenwood said in a statement that the images captured in the video are concerning to both the public and herself, so she has asked an outside police service to conduct an independent investigation into the events leading to the arrest and the conduct of the Officer.
She says witnesses will be contacted and the Officer involved in the arrest has been reassigned to alternate duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
UPDATE: The OPP Professional Standards Unit will be conducting the investigation. Anyone who was present at the time of the occurrence is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
“In an effort to ensure the process is transparent and accountable I have asked the Ontario Provincial Police to conduct the investigation into the events that took place in Barrie on February 4,” said Chief Greenwood. “I acknowledge the public’s concerns being expressed based on the limited availability of information at this time. I want to assure the community that any findings of misconduct will be pursued. I remain dedicated and supportive of our Service and the continued professionalism of our members during times when our actions are questioned.”
PLEASE NOTE: The videos posted below may be disturbing to some viewers and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
OPP to conduct investigation into Dunlop Street arrest – https://t.co/j3k8cbVf2f pic.twitter.com/mTMsi5SY3N
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) February 5, 2021
Chief Greenwood asks outside police service to conduct investigation into Dunlop Street arrest and conduct of Officer – https://t.co/PYETBAL3P4 The Barrie Police Service was made aware of the videos posted to social media of an arrest.. pic.twitter.com/9F3FMgxToo
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) February 5, 2021