Campbellton man filmed being punched by RCMP officer charged with breaching probation

A man who was seen on video being punched several times by a Campbellton RCMPofficer during his arrest last Friday in the northern New Brunswick city has been charged with breaching his probation.

AndrYvonMercierwas chargedMonday when he appeared by video conferencein Campbellton provincial court.

He was released but is set to be back in court on Aug. 16.

RCMP Corp. Hans Ouellette saidin a voicemail to CBC News that thecharge stems from an incidentlast Friday, but he did not elaborate on what the incident was or return calls Wednesday afternoon.

Last Friday, a video surfaced on social media taken earlier that day, showing an RCMP officer attempt to restrain a man, who's since been identified as Mercier.

After a brief struggle, the officer can be seenstriking Mercier several times in the head, upper arm and chest area.

The officer then appears to straddle Mercierwhile another unidentified individual appears to restrain hislegs.

WATCH / Video appears to show Mountie hitting man several times

Video shows alleged misconduct by Campbellton police

3 years ago

Duration 1:17

Officer appears to strike suspect several times in the head and chest area in video.

In response, the New Brunswick RCMPasked Quebec'sBureau des enqutes indpendantes, or BEI,to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

Once that is finished,areport will go to the New Brunswick Public Prosecution Service, which will determinewhether charges should be laid against the officer.

The RCMP haveprovided little information about the arrest beyond saying that officers were responding to calls about a man entering a business while wielding a stick.

Campbellton Mayor Ian Comeau has said he was shocked by the video and welcomes the outside review of what happened that day.