VPD officers disciplined for misconduct during 2016 wellness check that turned into a brawl
Two Vancouver police officers have been disciplined for abuse of authority and using unnecessary force during a wellness check in East Vancouver in 2016 that turned into an all-out brawl.
Earlier this year, retired judge Carol Baird Ellan found misconduct allegations against Vancouver Police Department constables Eric Ludeman and Neil Logan to be substantiated.
Ellan was serving as the adjudicator in a complaint brought against the two constables before B.C.'s Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner. On Friday, she announced her decision on punishment for the two officers.
Ludeman will receive a reduction of one rank, while Logan will be suspended for eight days, according to Ellan's decision.
The two men will also be required to receive training or retraining on use of force, crisis intervention and de-escalation, and they cannot be promoted or serve as acting sergeants for at least one year.
The complaint against the two officers stems from the altercation that ensued after they were called to the home of Vladimir and Natalia Tchaikoun in March 2016. A neighbour had called 911 to request a check on Natalia's well-being.
OPCC records of the case indicate that what began as a door knock, with Vladimir responding, escalated into both officers entering the home and, eventually, into a physical fight with members of the Tchaikoun family in and around a bathroom.
Records show Vladimir suffered significant injuries, including a probable concussion, damaged teeth, severe bruising of the entire body including face, head, arms, legs, chest, back and abdomen, and also multiple lacerations on his head, face, lips, nose.
“(The officers') approach at the time was more consistent with an assault investigation than a well-being check,” Ellan said in her February decision that the complaint was substantiated.
The decision in the public hearing came after a separate review under the Police Act found in 2019 that the allegations of misconduct against both officers were not substantiated.
As a result of the brawl, several members of the Tchaikoun family were arrested and charged with assaulting an officer. Those charges were later stayed.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's David Molko
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Turfing Poilievre from House a clear sign of desperation by Trudeau Liberals
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.