B.C.'s Police Complaint Commissioner has ordered an external investigation into the alleged misconduct of a Vancouver police officer who was caught on tape punching a man's face during an arrest last week.
Commissioner Stan Lowe confirmed Tuesday he has reviewed footage of the March 26 arrest, which sparked public outrage after circulating on social media last week, and determined that a full probe is warranted.
“I am of the opinion that the conducted alleged against Constable Ismail Bhabha, if substantiated, would constitute misconduct, specifically abuse of authority” Lowe said in a media release.
Const. Bhabha was filmed striking cyclist Andisheh Akhavana in the jaw following a traffic stop in Yaletown.
The footage, which was shot by Mike Schwarz, a friend of Akhavan’s, shows Bhabha and another officer holding the cyclist’s arms behind his back and putting one of his hands in handcuffs. When he starts to move his arms, Bhabha punches him.
“Relax your arm!” he commands. Later, when asked why he punched Akhavan, Bhabha responds, “Because you was resisting. I was trying to put handcuffs on you and you pulled your arm away.”
The victim was pulled over for allegedly running a red light; he also was not wearing a helmet, had no lights on his bike, and police claim he was “confrontational” when told he would be receiving a ticket.
He was treated at the scene for a cut lip and released from custody on a promise to appear in court pending charge approval.
Commissioner Lowe said his office was alerted to the incident on March 27 by members of the media, not the Vancouver Police Department.
His office contacted the department’s Professional Standards Section about the arrest the same day, and were told they were unaware of it, Lowe said.
The West Vancouver Police Department has agreed to conduct an external investigation into the arrest and determine whether Bhabha’s conduct violated the Police Act.
The probe must be completed within six months.
