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Abbotsford Police Force Under Scrutiny After Taser Use on Unhoused Man
Public Hearing Called for Abbotsford Officers After Forceful Arrest of Unhoused Indigenous Man
A public hearing has been called after Abbotsford, B.C. police officers used excessive force, including a Taser and pepper spray, on an unhoused Indigenous man. Full details here.
Abbotsford police officers are under investigation after using substantial force, including a Taser and pepper spray, during the arrest of an unhoused Indigenous man in January 2024. A public hearing has been called.
By Amen News
Blink
2025-09-10
5 min read
✍️ Introduction:
A public hearing has been called into the conduct of two Abbotsford police officers after they used substantial force to arrest an unhoused Indigenous man in January 2024. The man was initially stopped for jaywalking, but what followed was a violent confrontation that involved Taser use, pepper spray, and physical strikes. The Police Complaint Commissioner has raised concerns over the rapid escalation of force and its appropriateness in such a minor situation.
🔒 The Incident: A Rapid Escalation of Force
On January 23, 2024, two officers, Const. John Leivdal and Const. Meghan Hamel, responded to a jaywalking incident in Abbotsford, near homeless shelters and outreach services. The man, who was carrying a shopping cart and a large stick, refused to drop the stick when asked by the officers. According to the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC), the man also expressed fear, stating that the police were going to kill him.
What followed was a violent escalation in the encounter. The officers deployed pepper spray and punches and used kicks and elbow strikes. They also drew their weapons and used a Taser multiple times. The OPCC notes that the man suffered significant facial injuries, including a laceration under his right eye and bruises on his forehead.
🎯 The Role of CCTV Evidence
Some of the interaction between the officers and the unhoused man was captured on CCTV footage, which will be crucial for the upcoming public hearing. The OPCC aims to explore the truth of the incident, especially in areas not captured by the cameras. They are also seeking the victim’s perspective, if possible, to understand the full scope of the altercation.
The Police Complaint Commissioner, Prabhu Rajan, has expressed concern over the rapid escalation of force by officers and is calling for a closer examination of crisis intervention and de-escalation practices in police interactions. The hearing will also take into account the historical and current concerns surrounding the treatment of Indigenous Peoples by law enforcement.
🛠️ The Public Hearing: What’s at Stake?
The public hearing will be presided over by retired judge David Pendleton, who will determine whether the officers committed misconduct and what appropriate discipline should be imposed.
As per recent legislation, the OPCC now has the authority to conduct public hearings on municipal police officers' actions, a move aimed at addressing the delays in police disciplinary processes.
📊 Looking at the Bigger Picture: Policing and Indigenous Rights
Prabhu Rajan has stressed the importance of examining the escalation of force, especially in the context of Indigenous rights and police conduct. The use of excessive force in situations involving marginalized groups, particularly Indigenous individuals, has become a focal point in discussions on police accountability across Canada.