Police sergeant who Tasered Sammy Yatim faces misconduct charge

The police sergeant who Tasered18-year-old SammyYatim as he lay dying of gunshot wounds onthe floor of a Toronto streetcar is facing a police misconduct charge, nearly four years after the teen's death.

The Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) recommended the charge against Sgt. DusanDan Pravicain connection with the incident on July 27, 2013. Pravica hadentered the streetcar telling Yatim who had already been shot nine times by fellow officer Const. James Forcillo to "drop the knife."

• 'Everything is going to be OK,' streetcar driver assured Sammy Yatim
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Pravica wrote in his police notes from that night that Yatim tried to stand up and come forward after being shot, Crown prosecutor Milan Rupic pointed out in October 2015. Most accounts agreed Yatim had remained still on the floor of the streetcar.

Passengers had fled the streetcar earlier, after Yatim exposed himself and showed the knife.

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Sammy Yatim interaction with Toronto Police on streetcar

9 years ago

Duration 1:21

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Sammy Yatim interaction with Toronto Police on streetcar

It is now up to the police services board, a civilian oversight body, to sign off on laying the charge under the Police Services Act, Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack told CBC Toronto on Saturday.

That's because the charges have to do with an allegation older than six months, he said.

If charges are laid, Pravica will plead not guilty, McCormack added.

Forcillo, who was convicted in January 2016 of attempted murder in Yatim's death but acquitted of the more serious second-degree murder charge has been out on bail since July of last year.

• Forcillo appeal set for October 20 months after his conviction for attempted murder

He is appealing his sentence and is expected to return to court for a hearing this October.

Pravica's lawyer, Peter Brauti, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Toronto police were also unable to comment on the charge Saturday.