Head of RCMP watchdog orders investigation into arrest of Alta. teen with autism
The arrest of a teen with autism at a St. Albert playground will be investigated by the agency that looks into complaints involving Mounties.
The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for RCMP (CRCC) is to determine if the mostly non-verbal 16-year-old was properly supervised and accommodated, as required under the Canadian Human Rights Act, during the Oct. 2 incident.
That evening, while Ryley Bauman was playing alone on the playground behind his grandparents' house, "several" calls were made to RCMP about a male who was described as suspicious, erratic and "possibly impaired by drugs."
Unable to learn his name, officers took Ryley into custody within minutes of arriving at the playground of Albert Lacombe Catholic Elementary School.
Police say the teen began to hurt himself while in custody and Mounties called EMS to provide first aid and take him to hospital.
He was reconnected with his parents after they filed a missing persons report.
According to them, Ryley suffered soft tissue damage to his wrists and head and said "police hurts" after the event.
CRCC chairperson Michelaine Lahaie issued the complaint, which prompted the CRCC investigation, noting it is in "the public interest."
In examining the St. Albert Mounties' response, the investigation will determine whether:
- Ryley was properly supervised and accommodated;
- reasonable action was taken to prevent Ryley from harming himself;
- St. Albert RCMP members are trained to recognize and interact with neurodiverse people; and
- the RCMP organization has national and divisional policies, procedures and guidelines on interacting with people with neurodiversity.
The CRCC is an agency of the federal government and independent from the RCMP.
Ryley's arrest is also being investigated by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, which investigates serious allegations of police misconduct and allegations of police-caused harm or death.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.