RCMP Are Investigating A Video Of A Nunavut Man Getting Knocked Down By A Police Car

A Nunavut RCMP officer has been “removed from the community,” after a video emerged of police appearing to knock down a suspect with their vehicle. The police car can be seen driving towards the suspect, who was intoxicated, when the vehicle’s door is quickly opened, causing the man to fall to the ground. The Nunavut video is now under investigation.

This article contains content that might not be suitable for some readers. This article includes a video of a man being knocked down by a vehicle.

In a statement on June 2, the RCMP confirmed that officers had been called to Kinngait, a community of 1,400 people, at 11:30 p.m. on Monday night.

Officers were responding to a male who was reportedly intoxicated, and fighting with other members of the community.

The RCMP statement confirms that the man was arrested by officers and then “checked over” by medical staff while he was in police custody.

However, a video of the arrest was captured by a member of the community, and appears to show the police vehicle approaching the suspect. The car’s door is then opened, causing the man to fall to the ground.

The clip came to the attention of police after it was posted on social media. “The contents of the video gave rise to the concern of the actions of the officer in conducting the arrest” the RCMP explained in their statement.

An independent external statutory investigation and an internal investigation have now been launched into the actions of the officer involved.

"The RCMP takes the conduct of our officers seriously and want to assure the public we have confidence in the process of the external investigation to determine the circumstances of the event and whether criminal charges should be sworn against the officer,” said Cpl. Jamie Savikataaq.

For the time being, the officer has been “removed from the community” and placed on administrative duties.

Nunavut's Minister of Justice, Jeannie Ehaloak, spoke-out about the video in question.

“I ... am very concerned by the unnecessary force, the violence and the lack of respect I have seen,” she said.

“Nunavummiut should not fear this kind of treatment and disregard for safety and basic rights,” Ehaloak added.

According to CTV News, police in Ottawa are already investigating five different incidents from 2020, all involving Nunavut RCMP. This includes three police shootings, a police cruiser hitting a child, and a man who died after a mental health apprehension.

The video surfaced as Canadians, and people across the globe, have been protesting anti-black racism and police impunity.

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.