A viral video of a man being sucker punched at a Toronto bar over the weekend has sparked a police investigation and is raising questions about how use of force is applied by security personnel.
Joshua Gomes tells Global News he was attacked by a bouncer Sunday evening at the Cabana Pool Bar when he tried to break up a fight.
“The entire crowd, between myself, we just tried to break it all up,” Gomes said. “Nothing is really working. I’m not able to get close enough.”
WATCH: More questions about Toronto bar bouncer’s behaviour. Mark Carcasole reports.
Gomes said he then proceeded to throw a cup of water on the bouncer who appears on video to punch one of his friends.
“I throw my water so I get the attention of the guy that’s punching my friend the most,” he said.
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At the point, the video then shows the bouncer turning his attention to Gomes and throwing a right hook that lands squarely on the right side of his head.
“I already went to the hospital. I have a severe concussion,” Gomes said. “Black eye, bruised cheek and head.”
Since being posted online, the video has generated a slew of comments with some calling what they see as an excessive use of force by security personnel.
“I’m not sure what could solve the problem,” Gomes said. “When are you ever supposed to be hit when you’re at somebody’s establishment? But going forward, it shouldn’t happen to anyone else.”
Lawyer Daniel Lerner tells Global News security personnel have no more or less rights than any ordinary person.
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“Security guards can use force to protect themselves, they can use force to protect others, they can use force to protect property, and they can also do a citizen’s arrest, if a person is trespassing,” Lerner said. “They can use a reasonable amount of force in the circumstances, not an excessive amount of force.”
WATCH: New Cabana Pool Bar fight video emerges after police launch investigation
In a statement to Global News, the company who provides security for Cabana Pool Bar said they take incidents like these seriously.
“Our priority is to ensure that our venue is a safe place for everyone including staff and customers,” Fiona Bang, public relations manager of INK. Entertainment, said. “This was a very unfortunate incident.”
The alleged assault is now under investigation by Toronto police. Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
With files from Ashley Molnar