A 48 year-old Regina male is facing charges after an incident on Thursday, October 1, 2015, in which Regina Police Service members discharged CEWs, commonly known as a taser, in an arrest. This advisory is in keeping with the Regina Police Service’s commitment to notify the public each time a CEW is discharged against a person.
At approximately 12:57 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2015, police were dispatched to a residence in the 0-99 block of Schemmer Bay for a report of a male who was in possession of a knife and threatening self-harm. While police were en route they received further information that the male was allegedly using illegal drugs before barricading himself in a bedroom. Officers arrived and forced open the barricaded bedroom door. They located a 48 year-old male in the bedroom who was extremely agitated and appeared to have something clenched in each fist. One of the officers deployed a CEW, but one of the probes was deflected by the suspect’s clothing so the CEW did not have any effect. Another officer deployed a CEW and the suspect fell to the floor, but continued to fight. Officers were able to gain control of the suspect and took him into custody. The male refused EMS so he was taken to the hospital for assessment, as per policy after a CEW discharge. The suspect will face charges in connection with the alleged drug possession and damage to the apartment residence.
The male’s name will not be released at this time, since the investigation is not yet concluded with charges and a court date. The use of the CEW has been documented as per policy and will be reviewed by a Use of Force Committee – a committee with the Service. All uses of force are also reported to the Saskatchewan Police Commission – an oversight body independent of the Regina Police Service.