The Calgary Police Service issued a statement Saturday in response to a video circulating online showing the arrest of a man by officers in downtown Calgary Friday night.
Police said officers were conducting a walk-through of licensed premises in the area when they were alerted by citizens to a situation unfolding in the street. They said the officers left the bar to determine what was occurring.
In a statement, CPS said, “This video only captures a small portion of the interaction between the man and the officers and does not tell the full story.”
The following video posted to Instagram shows several officers subdue a man and one officer appears to be punching the man in the head while he is pinned to the ground outside 1410 World Bier Haus Restaurant & Lounge on 17 Avenue and 14 Street.
The video was posted to Instagram Friday by the username @jk00ks but police have not confirmed that this is the video they are responding to.
WARNING: This video contains graphic content. Discretion is advised.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHoFWpUBbA8/?taken-by=jk00ks
Police said officers said they were immediately approached by an aggressive man who “refused to cooperate with their demands and then attempted to leave the area.”
The statement goes on to say, “This man had exited his vehicle following a road rage incident involving a pedestrian, and refused police requests to provide information about his identity.”
Police said the man was given a ticket for stunting after driving in an unsafe manner along the road and was released following his arrest.
CPS said anyone with a concern can file a complaint with the Professional Standards Section.
The video has not been released by police.
Premier’s response:
Premier Rachel Notley was asked about the video Monday morning at the Premier’s Stampede Breakfast. She said she understands why people would be concerned.
“It’s obviously disturbing,” said Notley. “But quite honestly it’s a question of looking at whole context. But given it is a matter that will undoubtedly be deliberated on by enforcement people, I really can’t comment on it at this point.”
Notley said the public needs to respect the processes in place for addressing the video.
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