SASKATOON — Two members of the Saskatoon's canine unit are facing a charges of aggravated assault after police dogs bit suspects.
The charges have been laid in connection to two separate and unrelated incidents, the first occurring in 2019 and the other in 2020.
Both officers, 13-year members of the Saskatoon Police Service, are assigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of court proceedings. A court date has been scheduled for May 18, 2022, at 2 p.m., at Saskatoon Provincial Court, courtroom 4.
“I want to ensure the public that while today’s announcement may be concerning, we have a very highly trained, professional canine unit,” said Police Chief Troy Cooper. “We must respect the court process while continuing to take every opportunity to both support our members and review responses to calls for service where use-of-force is required.”
A 13-year Saskatoon Police Service member assigned to the canine unit is charged in connection with a response to an evade police incident.
According to SPS, on July 12, 2019, at approximately 8:50 p.m. patrol officers spotted a male in a vehicle who was wanted on outstanding warrants. According to SPS, they attempted a traffic stop, however the male suspect refused to stop.
Police say the Air Support Unit was able to monitor the vehicle from above and guided responding units to an alley behind Milton Street where the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The officer began issuing commands for the suspect to stop, however he continued to flee.
The police service dog was deployed, says SPS, and engaged the suspect as other officers attempted to take him into custody. The male was treated at hospital for a dog bite. The suspect vehicle and the licence plate were found to be stolen. The male suspect was charged with possession of stolen property over $5000, evade police, possession of false identity documents and mischief.
A second 13-year member, also assigned to the canine unit, is charged in connection with a response to a break and enter in progress to a fenced compound on June 1, 2020, at approximately 9 p.m. The officer was the first on scene. According to SPS, a male matching the suspect description was located running from the scene. Commands were issued to stop, however the male continued to flee.
The police service dog was deployed and engaged the suspect, say police. The male was treated for a dog bite. The suspect was charged with break and enter, possession of methamphetamine, possession of psylocybin (mushrooms), and breach of conditions.
The SPS was later notified by the Provincial Complaints Commission that formal complaints had been received and an investigation began into each incident.
The SPS was notified on April 21, 2022, that, based on the PCC’s investigation, the Crown was recommending charges of aggravated assault.
