SiRT Investigating Serious Injuries After Encounter with Amherst Police

The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is investigating a matter involving the arrest of a person that resulted in broken ribs.

On Sunday, January 21, 2024, the Amherst Police Department received a complaint of a disturbance in progress. Preliminary information suggests the following:

• Upon arrival on scene, police encountered the male. Due to his behaviour and lack of cooperation, in order to arrest him an officer deployed his conducted energy device (Taser).
• The male fell, and was taken to hospital, where he was diagnosed with two broken ribs.
• The male was released into police custody.

As a result of the serious injury, in accordance with the Police Act, Amherst Police contacted the SiRT which has assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of a public interest to be investigated that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an independent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation.

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