Arrest video prompts protest outside EPS headquarters
A group of people gathered outside the Edmonton Police Service headquarters downtown on Sunday afternoon to protest the use of force during an arrest last Thursday.
EPS says a police officer responded to a fight between two women, one of whom had a knife, in the area of 100 Street and 106 Avenue that afternoon.
The officer asked the woman to drop the knife but she refused and walked away, police said in a statement on Friday.
"The officer considered his use of force options, given the suspect was armed, and determined pushing her to the ground would require the least amount of force possible to allow him to safely arrest the suspect," the statement read.
The 12-second video does not show what led up to the incident. With the video zoomed in, an object appears to fall out of the woman's hand when she's pushed.
The officer seized a knife and the woman was arrested for possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, police said.
EPS reviewed the arrest and said there were no grounds for an investigation.
Protesters on Sunday called the shove "gross behaviour."
"Especially to one of our most vulnerable: A small, little woman who was actually walking away and had her back turned on him, and therefore wasn't expecting a hit of that magnitude, and of course it sent her flying," said Judith Gale with the Bear Clan Beaver Hills House.
"He's darn lucky she never hit her head and died right there on the sidewalk."
Gale called on police to release CCTV video they have of the arrest but EPS said it would not make it public.
Rob Flamant, who addressed the crowd at the protest, said the video "absolutely disgusted" him.
Another protester, Michelle Nieviadomy, told CTV News it was important for her to raise the issue of systemic injustices and stand with the community.
EPS was aware of the protest and said it reached out to organizers to support their rights for a safe demonstration.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Joe Scarpelli
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.