Violent incident between Saskatoon police and Indigenous man ‘unnecessary,’ says man who taped it

The man who videotaped an incident between Saskatoon police and an Indigenous man Saturday afternoon says it didn’t have to become violent.

Frank Collins lives near the yard where the incident took place. He was on his way out for a bike ride with his wife and children when he heard an exchange between a Saskatoon police officer and a man now identified by several community members as Evan Penner.

“I could hear their voices were rising,” Collins said. “Then I could hear (someone) yell out, ‘Somebody help me, somebody help me.’ And I kind of ran across the alley to see what was going on. When I arrived at the fence to see what was happening, the officer was on top of the gentleman, trying to arrest him.”

At that point, Collins thought he started taping, but was focused on what was happening. It was a couple of minutes later he realized he wasn’t recording, and then hit the record button.

“So the video that was released starts about two minutes into the altercation,” he said.

It all took place in the backyard of a woman’s residence. She was home at the time and had spoken with Penner prior to the police arriving, said Collins.

The woman asked Penner if he was OK and if he needed anything. Collins says that’s usually what people in the neighbourhood do if and when someone with addictions, or who may need mental health help, sometimes access their properties.

“What happened was the resident on the main floor of the apartment building next to her house had observed Evan in the front of the apartment hosing himself off with a hose. They didn’t know what was going on. They saw a strange man and called police about a suspicious man in front of their building, and that’s what prompted police to arrive,” explained Collins.

He says from what he heard, the officer who arrived decided to arrest Penner because he appeared intoxicated and was allegedly trespassing.

“Evan was not interested in being arrested and was not co-operative with that and that’s what escalated at the end, I believe,” Collins said.

A short time later, Collins saw Penner try and put his hand on the leg of the officer, and that’s when the officer began hitting Penner and telling him to stop resisting. Collins says both he and the woman on whose property the incident was taking place asked the officer to stop hitting Penner.

“At that point, the officer pulled out pepper spray and announced he was going to pepper spray Evan if he did not comply,” Collins said.

He says the officer then called for backup, and several others arrived a short time later. Collins says at least one of the officers knew Collins was standing there videotaping what was going on.

“I felt very much that it was my social responsibility to be there, and witness it,” he said. “But I was also very cognizant of the fact that my children were there as well.

“I know that it’s not necessary,” continued Collins. “It’s entirely unnecessary that this kind of thing had to happen. You know, having dealt with folks like Evan on a regular basis in this neighbourhood, having a conversation with him much like the woman living in the house did, just talking to them, making sure they’re OK, is usually all that’s necessary.”

Collins Tapes Second Video

A second video was shot when Penner was placed in a police vehicle. Collins said he has not released that at this time at the request of Penner. The video shows Penner’s face.

However, Collins explains it also shows that after the arrest, it was at least 10 minutes before anyone checked on Penner to see if he was OK.

It also shows another man who tried to intervene and stop police from arresting Penner. The man had apparently given Penner shoes earlier in the day because he was barefoot.

“The man was quite upset that it had escalated to this point,” said Collins.

Collins says he contacted Saskatoon police Saturday evening and spoke with Chief Troy Cooper.

“I let him know that I was concerned about the welfare of Evan … Troy was quite helpful. He did try his best to find out what the status was,” Collins said.

Cooper also let Collins know that officers would be following up with him about a potential statement, and to ask for a copy of the video, which he gave them.

He reached out to the Black Lives Matters YXE group and Indigenous Joint Action Coalition, and also gave them a copy.

Indigenous Joint Action Coalition and Black Lives Matter YXE

Erica Violet Lee, a co-ordinator with the Indigenous Joint Action Coalition (IJAC), says the video is difficult and painful to watch. She believes little has changed in the way Indigenous and Black people are treated in Saskatoon.

Her group is calling for the officers involved to be fired.

“For so long, we’ve been sort of told to wait for reforms and wait for change, that change takes time,” Lee said. “We understand, but the reality is that Indigenous folks are still facing extraordinary rates of incarceration and brutalization at the hands of Saskatoon police and the RCMP.”

Lee says the city needs more mental health services and that “the system” — the way it’s designed — has been too controlling.

Saskatoon Police Service

The Saskatoon Police Service released a statement Monday afternoon indicating the video does not show the entire incident involving Penner, but the use of force is captured.

It also indicates the SPS is treating what occurred as a critical and serious incident that will be investigated by the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission.

One of the officers involved has been placed on paid leave until a review of his use of force and response is completed.