Hamilton police officer who assaulted Indigenous man was ‘rising star’ who should keep job: lawyer – CBC

April 19, 2024

A Hamilton police officer who kicked an Indigenous man in the head during an arrest in May 2022 apologized for his actions during a Police Services Act hearing that will determine whether or not he can keep his job.

“My behaviour was not acceptable and I regret my actions wholeheartedly,” Brian Wren said during the virtual hearing on Friday.

He said he blamed no one but himself for the “20 second blemish” which was a “mistake of the heart .. of fear and being scared in a dynamic situation.”

“I acknowledge the damage this has placed on everyone affected,” he said, wearing a suit and sporting a thin, salt and pepper beard.

In March, Wren pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct. It follows court proceedings last year, which ended with Ontario Court Justice Bruce Pugsley sentencing Wren to 18 months of probation after he pleaded guilty to assault.

At the sentencing, Pugsley said the Indigenous man, Patrick Tomchuk, was already laying on the ground “unresisting and possibly unconscious,” with several other officers involved, when Wren kicked him in the head and face multiple times.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/police-hearing-indigenous-assault-defence-1.7178777