Quebec police seen beating robbery suspect in video

Trois-rivières officers suspended with pay pending investigation

MONTREAL — A robbery suspect seen in a surveillance video being kicked and beaten by Quebec police officers after he lay face-down, spreadeagled in surrender, is reportedly planning to sue the police.

The video triggered a courtroom stir Thursday after it was entered into evidence by the defence during a bail hearing in Trois-Rivières for Alexis Vadeboncoeur.

The video of the 19-year-old’s arrest Feb. 2 outside CEGEP de TroisRivières has also garnered thousands of views on YouTube and was widely broadcast on news channels in Canada and the U.S.

René Duval, the suspect’s lawyer, told the TVA network Friday that he will ask that all criminal proceedings against Vadeboncoeur be dropped “because of the odious behaviour of the police.”

As well, he added, there will be civil proceedings “against the persons involved and those responsible for them under law.”

Four police officers have been suspended with pay in connection with the incident. The Sûreté du Québec is investigating.

“We were asked Feb. 8 by the Trois-Rivières police force to investigate,” Sgt. Bruno Beaulieu of the SQ said Thursday. “We cannot comment any further because the inves- tigation continues.”

The spokesperson for TroisRivières police was not immediately available.

Vadeboncoeur faces an array of charges, including armed robbery. He is accused of entering a TroisRivières pharmacy wearing a mask and armed with a pellet gun.

Written reports by officers involved — submitted as evidence through the Crown — state that Vadeboncoeur had resisted arrest; that the lives of officers were in danger; and that police used necessary force during the arrest.

A pellet gun was found at the scene of the beating.

The bail hearing will resume March 19.