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Watchdog investigates video of Vancouver cop firing beanbag rounds at man on sidewalk

The investigation will be overseen by the OPCC but carried out by an outside police force
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A still from a video appearing to show a Vancouver police officer firing beanbag rounds at a man during an arrest. (Against Displacement)

The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner has ordered an investigation after a video clip showed a Vancouver police officer fire three beanbag shots at a man during an arrest.

The video, which was released Tuesday by homeless advocacy group Against Displacement, appears to show a man lying on the ground with his arms up, surrounded by police officers, as one yells, “Get on your stomach! Roll over!”

After about a minute, an officer appears to fire three beanbag shots at the man, who rolls around and does not get up.

The advocacy group said the video was shot in the Downtown Eastside.

Deputy police complaint commissioner Andrea Spindler said Wednesday the watchdog will oversee the investigation, which will be carried out by a third-party police force.

The Vancouver Police Department did not return a request for comment.

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@katslepian

katya.slepian@bpdigital.ca

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