A University of Toronto student who was subdued by officers with a conducted energy weapon while lying on the ground is now suing Toronto police for $1.6 million.
According to a summary of the facts presented in the lawsuit, Hasani O’Gilvie found he was being followed by a police car while attempting to catch the bus on Aug. 12, 2021, CTV News reported.
A police officer who mistook the then 27-year-old young man for a wanted person contacted Hasani O’Gilvie, who claims to have been involved by denying his identity.
Despite everything, the argument escalated with the arrival of police reinforcements, so that the student was finally surrounded by three police officers who overpowered him on the ground. One of the officers reportedly pressed his knee and leg onto his neck while the young man was electrocuted with an electric energy gun.
The scene was filmed by police bodycams, Hasani O’Gilvie’s attorney said.
A note from one of the officers involved in the event, seen by CTV News, shows police believed the student was a wanted suspect.
Trials are expected to begin in 2024.