Watchdog probing arrest of man who fled Hamilton police

Ontario's police watchdog is probing the arrest of a 52-year-old man who fled and later struggled with Hamilton officers this week.

In a release Thursday, Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) appealed for video, photos or other information about the Jan. 9 interaction in the area of Barton Street East and Ellis Avenue - near the Centre on Barton.

The watchdog, which is an arm's-length agency that investigates when people are injured during interactions with police, said Hamilton police pulled a vehicle over around 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

They then learned one of the occupants was wanted.

The SIU says the man fled on foot and was chased by officers, who caught up with him in the area of Barton and Ellis.

The SIU said the man and officers struggled before he was arrested and taken to a cell at the police station.

The man then complained of pain and was taken to hospital, where he was treated.

Special Investigations Unit officials say they have reason to believe a man in the area that day recorded the incident and they would like to speak to him.

Anyone else with helpful information, photos or video can call the Special Investigations Unit at 1-800-787-8529.

Reach The Spectator newsroom at 905-526-3420 or news@thespec.com