By Ian Holmes

IIO investigating excessive force allegations against Nanaimo RCMP

Apr 16, 2019 | 5:24 PM

NANAIMO — B.C.’s police watchdog has begun probing an allegation Nanaimo RCMP were heavy-handed while arresting a man accused of breaking into a rural cabin.

Independent Investigations Office of BC chief civilian director Ronald MacDonald said interviews are being scheduled with the complainant and at least one officer involved in the arrest of a suspect in the Nanaimo Lakes Rd. area on Feb. 16.

The complainant, who identified himself to NanaimoNewsNOW as David Banford, claimed he was attacked by a police dog despite obeying orders to stay on the ground.

Banford said he was then repeatedly punched and kicked in the face and head by two officers.

MacDonald said they are waiting for medical records to see if this case meets the threshold of serious harm, but said it’s leaning that way.

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“In this case it looks like we are going to get there, so the matter will be progressing toward investigation.”

MacDonald estimated interviews with relevant witnesses would be conducted within the next few weeks, while the entire investigation could take months.

He said the complainant claimed he was left with facial fractures.

If serious harm was inflicted by police, the IIO will then determine if the officer’s actions were justified, MacDonald said. If police did not behave lawfully, MacDonald said charges would be recommended to the Crown.

The 39-year-old Banford and a female suspect allegedly broke into a cabin on a snowy Feb. 16 evening. Banford is accused of pepper-spraying the cabin owners before fleeing into the woods.

Banford and Jamie Nicole Johnston were formally charged and their cases are currently before the courts.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes