BARRIE, ONT. -- Ontario Provincial Police have laid criminal charges against a Barrie, Ont. police officer in connection with a violent arrest that was caught on video in February.
The OPP conducted an independent investigation at the request of the Barrie police chief and on Thursday announced 46-year-old Const. Jason Stamp had been charged with assault and assault with a weapon.
The OPP said the torrent of punches and a blow to a longboarder's head with a stun gun wasn't police work. It was criminal.
Skyler Kent was the man on the receiving end of Stamp's fury after he ran a red light on his longboard.
"It's kind of fair," Kent said Thursday about the charges. "I'm happy that he got charged, but I'm not happy to hear that he's on paid leave."
Barrie police confirmed in a release Thursday, Stamp, an 18-year member of the service, "has been suspended from duty with pay."
Kent said he had to leave his job as a drywaller because coworkers hassled him following his arrest. "The whole time I haven't been getting paid. I've been looking for more work while dealing with social assistance," he added.
For years, Ontario Chiefs of Police have called on Queen's Park to allow them the right to strip officers of pay when they face criminal charges in certain circumstances.
While Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood refused to comment on the matter, she stated in the release, "The need for transparency in policing is critical. The Barrie Police Service holds all its members to the highest level of professionalism. I thank the OPP for conducting a thorough and detailed investigation."
Stamp was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in a Barrie court on June 7 to answer to the charges.
