A public hearing has been ordered after Abbotsford police used a Taser, pepper spray, and force on an unhoused Indigenous man in January 2024.
Watchdog Orders Public Hearing
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) has ordered a public hearing into the actions of two Abbotsford police officers accused of using “substantial force” during the arrest of an unhoused Indigenous man in January 2024.
Details of the Arrest
According to the OPCC, Const. John Leivdal and Const. Meghan Hamel stopped the man for jaywalking on Jan. 23, 2024, near shelters and outreach services in Abbotsford. The man, who was carrying a shopping cart and a large stick, allegedly refused to comply when asked to drop the stick. He reportedly told officers he feared they would kill him.
Escalation of Force
Investigators say officers deployed pepper spray, drew a firearm, and delivered multiple punches and kicks before using a Taser twice. The man attempted to flee and struck an officer’s shoulder but was subdued after further force. He sustained head and facial injuries requiring hospitalization. Portions of the incident were captured on CCTV.
Commissioner’s Concerns
Police Complaint Commissioner Prabhu Rajan said the use of force escalated too quickly given that the initial stop was for a minor traffic offence. “To preserve public confidence in policing, there needs to be a full accounting of why substantial force was used instead of de-escalation,” Rajan said. He added the case highlights ongoing concerns over police treatment of Indigenous Peoples.
Public Hearing Process
The hearing will be led by retired judge David Pendleton, who will hear witness testimony and determine whether misconduct occurred. The process, introduced under updated provincial legislation, is intended to provide more timely oversight of police discipline matters. A date for the hearing has not yet been announced.
Response From Abbotsford Police
The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) confirmed it was notified of the hearing but said the officers’ operational status remains unchanged. A spokesperson stated the department would not provide further comment while the matter is before the OPCC.
Legal Outcome for the Man Involved
The OPCC noted the man was criminally charged following the arrest, but the B.C. Prosecution Service later stayed those charges. The public hearing will also examine whether the man himself can be located to give evidence, with investigators stressing a trauma-informed approach.
Broader Implications
The case has sparked wider debate on police use of force in B.C., particularly regarding interactions with vulnerable and Indigenous communities. Rajan said the hearing aims not only to review officer conduct but also to provide lessons on crisis intervention and de-escalation practices.
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