RCMP Taser use on veteran to be investigated by police watchdog

Nova Scotia'sSerious Incident Response Team is investigating the arrest of a disabled veteran in LunenburgCounty who was Tasered by RCMP, anincident that was captured on video surveillance and posted to YouTube.

"I think the video does demonstrate issues," said RonMacDonald, the director of SIRT, an independent body thatinvestigates all serious incidents arising from police action.

"Issues surrounding the entry of the police into the premises, certainly issues surrounding the arrestand the grounds for the arrest, and the issues surrounding the use of theTaser.

"We certainly haven't reached any conclusions,but those are avenues where our investigation will focus."

• RCMP use Taser on disabled veteran with electronic surgical implant

Bruce Webb, a veteran of the Canadian air force,was arrested after a late night encounter with the RCMP on Feb. 28 after officers arrived at thePurple Leprechaun Roadhouse in Bayport, N.S.

The restaurant is owned by Webb'sfiance.The pair live above it and Webb uses the space as his living room after hours.

Video footage

It was the second time police had gone to the restaurant that night.Video from security cameras show RCMPbreaking down the door ofthe building and having a confrontation with Webb. Hetakes a swing at an officer and is thenknocked down.

The officer takes out his Taser and Webb tells him: "If you Tase me I may die. I have an implant."

Webb hastold CBC Newshe has an implant in his abdomen that's connected by electrodes to his spine.It helps mitigate chronic pain from a leg injury he has from playing sports in the military.

One of the officers is heard on tape telling Webb he is under arrest, citing "the Involuntary Psychiatric Act."After a further struggle with police Webb is hitwith the Taser.

Webb has been charged with assaulting a police officerand resisting arrest.

RCMPhave said there were "multiple 911 calls" from the property and officerswent to arrest the man. But police said they will not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the arrest because Webb's case is before the courts.

SIRTlooking for answers

MacDonaldsaid his team will bring an "objective lens" to the investigationand then report its conclusions publicly.

SIRT is in the process of gathering evidence in its investigation.MacDonald said his team will talk to witnesses, collect 911 calls, and try to determine if there is any additional video footage.

"We want to get as much, and all of the information and then make our conclusions."

MacDonaldsaid as far as he knows noother police organizations are investigating the incident.

"At this point though with us taking over jurisdiction, anything such as that will await the outcome of our investigation."

He estimates it will take at least a few months for the investigation to be concluded.