Saskatoon police used physical force on man who later died in hospital

UPDATE: Man sentenced in fatal Saskatoon stolen truck crash

Saskatoon police said physical force was used by an arresting officer on a man who later died in hospital following a crash of a stolen vehicle.

Jordan Bruce Lafond, 21, was found by officers when the vehicle he was a passenger in crashed into a post and fence by Bethlehem Catholic High School on the morning of Oct. 23.

READ MORE: Passenger in stolen truck crash in Saskatoon dies

At a press conference on Thursday, police said they believe Lafond was thrown from the vehicle at the time of the collision.

“It’s not believed that the vehicle ran him over,” Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill said.

Officers at the scene said Lafond was found underneath the vehicle and attempted to resist arrest.

Officials said an officer then used his knee to subdue Lafond while taking him into custody.

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Lafond was taken to hospital where he died the following morning.

Officials said it is not known at this time if any physical force used by the officer may have been a factor in Lafond’s death.

An autopsy will take place at the request of both Lafond’s family and Saskatoon Police Service.

“I think you’re better off to come forward to the public, explain what we’re working through, be open and honest about it and assure the public that we’re going to get to the bottom of it,” Weighill said.

“I think that builds trust and good relationships.”

Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill said he has met with the Lafond family, who were accompanied by members of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) special investigations unit.

READ MORE: Driver of stolen truck evading police collides with fence near Saskatoon school

He assured them all investigative tools will be used to determine the circumstances that led to Lafond’s death.

The arresting officer, who is a ten-year member of the Saskatoon police, has been reassigned to administrative duties while the investigation is carried out.

Police said officers had attempted to stop the stolen vehicle earlier that morning at Avenue V at 17th Street West.

There were reports firearms and ammunition were in the vehicle.

The driver of the truck was also arrested and is facing charges.

Police said four guns and ammunition were recovered from the crash scene.

Ryan Kessler contributed to this story