Video captures violent arrest of man on Toronto subway

Police say their professional standards unit is investigating after officer seen kicking man on ground

Toronto police say their professional standards unit is investigating after a video circulating online captured a violent arrest on a subway train involving a man and five officers.

Police say they were called to Eglinton West subway station around 11 a.m. Tuesday, after a man allegedly assaulted a woman on the train and stole her phone.

Video of the incident begins with the man seated and shouting, as the officers stand nearby. Moments later, the officers drag him from his seat to the ground and one proceeds to kick him at least three times.

A voice is then heard saying, "Stop, stop," and the officers continue restraining him before the video cuts off.

CBC News asked if the man was taken to hospital for assessment following the incident — police wouldn't say. Spokesperson Shannon Eames replied, "The man did not sustain any injuries."

Asked how police determined he wasn't injured and if the man himself reported being unhurt, Eames said she could not confirm. Toronto paramedics told CBC News they were not called to the scene.

"We are aware of the incident on the video and our professional standards unit is investigating," spokesperson Laurie McCann said earlier. 

The man has been charged with one count of robbery and three counts of failure to comply with probation, police say.

Asked if it is investigating the incident, Ontario's Special Investigations Unit said unless the man was seriously injured, its mandate would not be invoked.

CBC News has contacted the Toronto Transit Commission for comment.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/man-kicked-by-police-ttc-subway-1.7159661

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