A 35 year-old male is facing multiple charges including assault of a police officer, after an incident in the area of 5th Avenue and Angus Street.
At approximately 5:45 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2022, a member of the Regina Police Service K-9 Unit observed a male acting suspiciously and attempted to speak with him. As the officer got closer to the suspect, he noticed what appeared to be a weapon in the suspect’s backpack. The suspect then pointed a can of bear mace in the direction of the officer in a threatening manner before fleeing on foot.
The officer was able to locate the suspect a short distance away and observed he was still carrying the bear mace. The suspect refused multiple times to comply with the officer when asked to stop and put down the weapon (bear mace). At this time the Police Service Dog (PSD) was deployed. The male suspect repeatedly sprayed the PSD with the bear mace and attempted to spray the officer, even as the dog made and maintained contact with the suspect, biting his arm. The K-9 officer then deployed his CEW. The first deployment was ineffective and the CEW had to be cycled a second time. The second cycle was effective and the male was successfully taken into custody. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Officers located a machete, a baton, a large quantity illicit drugs and cash in the suspect’s backpack. The suspect was also wearing body armor.
The use of the CEW has been documented and will be subject to internal review by a Use of Force Review Board (Regina Police Service) and external oversight by the Saskatchewan Police Commission.
As a result of this investigation, 35 year-old Roderick ASAPACE is charged with:
- Assault a Peace Officer With a Weapon [CC 270.01 (1)(A)];
- Injure an Animal, Police Service Dog [CC 445.01(1)];
- Obstruct a Peace Officer [CC129(A)];
- 3 x Carry a Concealed Weapon [CC90];
- 3 x Possession of a Weapon [CC 88]; and
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime [CC 355 (B)]
ASAPACE made his first appearance on these charges in Regina Provincial Court this morning, Monday, October 3, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
