SiRT investigating after man badly injured during arrest by Saint John police officer

The SiRT logo is seen in an undated file photo.

The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating the actions of a Saint John police officer after a man was badly injured while being arrested last summer.

SiRT says officers with the Saint John Police Force were pursuing the man, who had allegedly fled the scene of an accident, was driving erratically, and nearly struck an officer who was outside of their police vehicle, on July 5.

“The vehicle being chased became disabled and came to a stop on Main Street North, at which time multiple officers engaged with the driver and took him into custody,” said SiRT in a news release.

The Saint John Police Force confirmed its officers responded to a collision on the Harbour Bridge around 2:17 a.m. on July 5 and pursued one of the vehicles involved in the collision.

“Multiple officers engaged with the adult male driver who was taken into custody,” said the police force in a news release. “The male was transported to hospital to be treated for his injuries.”

After conducting its own internal review, the force has asked SiRT to investigate the incident due to the actions of one of the arresting officers.

“SiRT has taken some preliminary investigative steps and has learned the male suffered a serious injury to his eye and ribs,” said SiRT of the man who was arrested.

The Saint John Police Force says the officer will remain on active duty pending the result of SiRT’s investigation.

“We are confident that SiRT will conduct a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation. We are committed to maintaining public trust and confidence,” said Saint John Police Force Chief R.M. Bruce.

SiRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

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