B.C.'s civilian-based police watchdog has sent a report to the B.C. Prosecution Service for consideration of charges from a February 2016 arrest of two men caught on a security camera.
The Independent Investigations Office launched an investigation after video from the camera raised questions over whether excessive force was used. A police dog was used to drag one of the two out of a stolen pickup truck while it appeared the other was stomped on by an arresting officer.
The two - Cuyler Richard Aubichon and Nathaniel Lazarus Basil - were left with cuts and abrasions.
The arrests were made during the early morning of Feb. 18, 2016 in an alley off the 2200 block of Oak St.
Controversy erupted when the video was made public, drawing concern from the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, among others. The IIO subsequently launched an investigation at the request of the Prince George RCMP detachment and the director of police services.
Aubichon was eventually sentenced to time served and one year probation for possession of stolen property over $5,000 while charges of willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer and flight from a peace officer were stayed.
Basil was sentenced to 60 days in jail for possession of stolen property and a second consecutive sentence of 30 days for breaching the conditions of his bail related to that charge.
The IIO forwards a report to B.C. Prosecution Service whenever it finds there may be grounds for laying criminal charges. However, the decision on whether to proceed is left to the BCPS, which must be satisfied there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO and that the prosecution is in the public interest.
The IIO announced the latest development on Thursday.
