Police watchdog investigating EPS after man tased at downtown hotel, taken to hospital

Edmonton police are under investigation by ASIRT after using a conducted energy weapon on a man who was resisting being handcuffed.

Alberta’s police watchdog is investigating Edmonton police officers after a man was tased at a downtown hotel and later taken to hospital.

A hotel employee called 911 on March 21 to report a man who appeared to be intoxicated and had refused to leave the lobby of the Comfort Inn and Suites.

Officers arrived at the hotel near 100 Avenue and 104 Street shortly before 3 a.m. When the man refused to leave, the officers arrested him for trespassing.

A news release from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) said the man resisted being handcuffed and was brought to the ground where he continued to resist.

One officer deployed a conducted energy weapon, or taser, after which they were able to control the man, handcuff him and take him outside.

Following the arrest, the man said his arm was in pain. Paramedics were called and he was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

ASIRT said they do not know the extent of the man’s injuries.

The incident is being investigated by ASIRT as a Level 1 matter which included cases involving serious injury, death, or serious or sensitive concerns about an officer’s actions.