N.S. SIRT investigating Amherst arrest that led to broken ribs for suspect

AMHERST, N.S. — Nova Scotia’s police watchdog has been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding an Amhert arrest during which the suspect suffered broken ribs.

Based on its early findings, the N.S. Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) said when an Amherst Police Department officer responded to a disturbance in progress complaint on Jan. 21, they were encountered with an unco-operative man.

In order to arrest him, the officer used his taser, causing the man to fall. He was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with two broken ribs and then released into police custody.

Amherst police, in accordance with the province’s Police Act, contacted SIRT.