Barrie Police looking into allegations of excessive force as video goes viral

Barrie police say they are “looking into” a viral video posted on social media showing a violent interaction between local officers and a man.

The cell phone video, posted to Facebook, shows an officer pinning the man to the ground before he is placed under arrest. 

Bystanders can be heard shouting that the officer is using “excessive force.”

The man can be heard saying, “I’m not resisting.” Shortly after, the officer ‘pistol whips. the man the with his Taser. The man then shouts, “Please help me.” Two other police officers arrive at the scene and help roll him onto his stomach where the arresting officer appear to force his head into the concrete.

The person recording can be heard saying, “He’s a kid, he’s 20.” The officer shouts back, “Do you wanna go in?” 

The video does not show what led to the arrest.

Thursday night, Barrie police tweeted that they are “aware of a video that has been posted on social media and is currently looking into the circumstances that resulted in the arrest this afternoon on Dunlop Street in downtown Barrie.” 

Adding, they will provide further comment once the details are confirmed. 

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman tweeted, “I’ve seen the videos of the violent arrest on Dunlop Street. This will be fully investigated. I won’t be ignoring this, and once we have all the details, there will be full accountability.”