Relatives of a man who died after an arrest in Barrie, Ont., are calling for justice as a police watchdog conducts an investigation into the incident.
Drummond’s husband — Brown’s adopted brother — said Brown had an 11-year-old daughter who is devastated.
“It’s rough on her. They were trying to not have her see the video,” said Volence Drummond, noting that the child was at a vigil for Brown held in Barrie on Monday.
‘He was loved’
Brown’s aunt, Barbara South, said those who came to the vigil were outraged at the incident.
Brown was a burgeoning musician, Drummond added. “He was focusing on a music career and setting up his own
business, he was in and out of studios,” he said. “Other people have reached out to me to say he was a hard worker.”
Barrie police said in their own news release that they cannot provide any comment on the incident because the SIU has invoked its mandate to investigate. The release did not elaborate on why the man was arrested or what charges he may have faced.
Barrie’s police chief told reporters on Monday that officers performed first-aid on Brown and called paramedics after he went into medical distress. He died shortly afterwards in hospital, she said.
‘A shock to the community’
“This was a very tragic incident, one that touches family, friends and our whole community,” Kimberley Greenwood said.
“We know that the police were involved at the time of death. There was a very violent arrest and a significant amount of force,” said Royland Moriah. “This is a shock to the community.”
The SIU says the investigation is ongoing.
The day after the man died, the union that represents Barrie police officers said in a tweet, “A tragic incident for all involved occurred in Barrie yesterday. We stand behind our members 100%.”
The SIU is an arm’s-length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. – CBC News
