Police share their side of the story after video of arrest goes public

Tim Brody - Editor

Sioux Lookout OPP are sharing their side of the side after a video of a July 10 arrest appeared on social media.
Police shared in a July 18 media release that, “Around 1:00 a.m., on Monday, July 10, 2023, an OPP officer on routine patrol observed an individual trespassing through local properties. The officer detained the individual and observed them to be highly intoxicated. While securing this individual for their own safety and officer’s safety, the accused became combative toward the officer, punching and grabbing at the use of force tools on the officer’s belt. When de-escalation tactics failed, a conducted energy weapon was deployed as a last resort to gain physical control of the individual and ensure public safety. During the arrest, a second individual attempted to interfere with the officer in the course of their duties.”
As a result, a 23-year-old from Kasabonika Lake First Nation was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest. Police shared that a 34-year-old Sioux Lookout resident was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with Obstructing a Police Officer. 
Both accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sioux Lookout on August 8.
Police shared, “The OPP is aware that a privately recorded video of this incident was made available to the public through social media, which has raised concern regarding police tactics used during this arrest. This video captures only a portion of the event and shows the responding officer selecting the most appropriate use of force option to address the immediate situation, exposing the subject, public, and officer to the lowest level of risk.”