Community groups in Hamilton 'very concerned' about alleged assault of Indigenous man by police officer

The Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (HRIC) says the Indigenouscommunityis "very concerned" about reports of a local police officer assaulting an Indigenous man during an arrest in late May.

Deputy policechief Ryan Diodatitold CBC Hamilton the incident took place at a gas station on the Mountain in the eveningonMay 26 when police were carrying out a stolen vehicle investigation.

Diodati said police saw a video of the arrest, which led to Const. Brian Wren being immediately suspended.

He said police contacted theSpecial Investigations Unit, but the watchdog didn't investigate because the injuries weren't severe enough.

It prompted Hamilton police to do its own criminal investigation andeventually charge Wrenwith assault on June 16.

Wren has been with the service for 10 years, police previously told CBC. Court documents show he lives in Welland and is 45 years old.

Manreportedly assaulted by officers before

On Thursday, HRICand the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic (HCLC) put out a joint statement about the incident.

"Members of the Indigenous community are very concerned that this appears not to be an isolated incident," read the statement.

Diodatisaid the police service isn't aware if any prior complaints against Wren, but is"concerned" after reading the statement.

He also said the police service "proactively" contacted HRIC aboutthe Indigenous man's arrest.

HRIC and HCLC didn't respond to requests for comment from CBC Hamilton but the joint statement said this is thesecond time the Indigenous man has been assaulted by an officer.

Jennifer Steenbeek is the lawyer of the man, Patrick Tomchuk.

Shesaid she's not aware of other cases involving Wren but saidTomchuk "has been assaulted by police on at least one other occasion."

She also said Tomchukwas also charged with assault resist arrest,stemming from the incident with Wren.

He also hasthree sets of charges related to theft of property over $5,000, three vehicle thefts, driving while disqualified and other breaches, Steenbeek said.

Groups want more protection for marginalized groups

She said Tomchuk'sbail hearing is set forWednesday.

Wren's next court date is set for Aug. 18.

The joint statement fromHRIC and HCLC said the incident must be taken seriously and called for "major changes" to protect marginalized people.

Diodati said police chief Frank Bergen hascontacted the Indigenous community and welcomed a meeting with leaders.

HRIC and HCLCsay they will be hosting a press conference in front of police headquarters on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.