Rally held over violent arrest of a man in downtown Barrie
The OPP Professional Standards Branch is investigating the arrest
A small but vocal crowd held a rally at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie on Saturday to demand justice in the wake of a violent arrest that was caught on video and has made the rounds on social media.
Some people held signs that read ‘Abolish the police’ and ‘ Skateboarding is not a crime,’ while others shouted crude comments about the police.
The Professional Standards Branch of the Ontario Provincial Police has been assigned to investigate the arrest
“In an effort to ensure the process is transparent and accountable I have asked the Ontario Provincial Police to conduct the investigation into the events that took place in Barrie on February 4,” Chief Kimberley Greenwood said in a statement. “I acknowledge the public’s concerns being expressed based on the limited availability of information at this time. I want to assure the community that any findings of misconduct will be pursued.”
Police have charged a 20-year-old man with causing a disturbance and assault in an attempt to resist arrest.
The officer seen on the video has been reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation.
