A 28 year-old male is in custody and facing charges after an arrest today by members of the Regina Police Service, responding to a report of an unwanted guest. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW), or Taser as it is commonly called, was deployed in the arrest. This advisory is in keeping with a long-standing commitment by the Regina Police Service to notify the public each time a CEW is deployed on a person.
Although the use of the CEW or Taser is still subject to review, the chronology of events is reported as follows: on this date (Thursday, March 3, 2022) at about 12:25 p.m., Police responded to a business in the 800 block of Victoria Avenue. A staff member at the business advised police there was an unknown male on the premises, unlawfully, and that the male had a long knife. Officers entered a room and located a male who appeared to be very agitated, and would not follow police commands to stop moving and show his hands. Officers repeated commands which the male ignored, instead taking a step toward the officer nearest the doorway. The CEW/Taser was deployed, causing the male to fall. The officers trying to arrest the male encountered resistance, but gained control and took him into custody without further incident. A 12” long hunting-style knife was found on the floor nearby. EMS was requested to examine the suspect, as per policy, but the male did not require further medical attention. The male was arrested and charged for not following the lawful commands of the officers.
Twenty-eight year-old David Lawrence ANASKAN, of Regina, is charged with:
- Obstruction, s. 129(a) CC;
- Breach of Probation (shall keep the peace), s. 733.1(1) CC; and
- Breach of Probation (shall not possess knife), s. 733.1(1) CC.
ANASKAN will make his first court appearance on these charges in Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022.
The use of the CEW has been documented and will be subject to review by a Use of Force Committee of the Regina Police Service. In addition, uses of force are subject to the independent oversight of the Saskatchewan Police Commission.
