An Abbotsford truck driver is suing two police officers who he says “smashed” his body so hard during an arrest that he lost consciousness.
Shaun Haswell has also named the City of Abbotsford in his civil suit – filed Sept. 3 in B.C. Supreme Court – in which he is claiming costs for injuries he allegedly sustained during the incident, which occurred March 23, 2013.
The notice of civil claim states that Haswell was in Character’s Pub on Pauline Street in Abbotsford between 12:30 and 1:30 a.m., when he was “suddenly and without warning assaulted” by the two officers, who are not named in the documents.
Haswell claims that he was attacked from behind, and his head and body were “thrashed” against a table.
He also alleges that as he was being escorted out of the pub by the officers, his body was smashed into the door, causing him to lose consciousness.
“The plaintiff was falsely arrested and taken to the Abbotsford Police Department cells where he was left unconscious,” the documents state.
They further state that, once he regained consciousness, Haswell requested medical attention but was ignored until he was taken to hospital by ambulance “after two to three hours.”
The claim states that Haswell suffered injuries to his left knee, lower back and head, as well as bruises and contusions.
“The injuries, loss and damages have caused and continue to cause the plaintiff pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent physical disability and loss of earnings,” the documents state.
Haswell alleges that “unwarranted and excessive” force was used during the arrest. He is seeking expenses for medical treatment, compensation for loss of employment income, and special damages.
None of the allegations in the claim has been proven in court nor have the defendants filed a response. They have three weeks to do so, once the notice of civil claim is served.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner is also investigating Haswell’s allegations.
