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RCMP cleared following Investigation into fractured ankle of woman after arrest
The province's independent Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) today released its report regarding an investigation into the circumstances behind a 17-year-old female who had suffered a broken ankle after her arrest in August 2017.
On the evening of August 23rd, RCMP officers were dispatched to a residence on the Waycobah First Nation Reserve at the request of the homeowner to remove an intoxicated female. Upon arrival, one of the attending officers observed a young female to be highly intoxicated and placed her under arrest for breach of the peace and, under the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act, for making suicidal threats. The arresting officer had her examined by EHS personnel due to her intoxicated condition and self-harm comments. Upon being cleared medically, she was placed in police cells overnight.
The next morning, she was taken to the Strait Richmond Hospital for assessment of her mental condition. While there, she revealed she was experiencing pain in her leg. An X-ray taken of her leg showed her ankle to be broken.
The young female gave a statement to the SiRT Investigator indicating that she was kicking at the cell door during the night and on one of those kicks, heard a cracking sound. She then noticed her ankle began to swell. She acknowledged that there was nothing done by any police officer giving rise to her broken ankle.
In these circumstances, there are no grounds to consider any charges against the arresting officer.
A complete copy of the report is available at http://sirt.novascotia.ca.
SiRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian interim director John Scott, who is solely responsible for decisions respecting the laying of any charge.
Media Contact:
John L. Scott
Interim Director
902-424-8400 (o)
902-718-9707 (m)
