Mohawk Man Allegedly Assaulted Over Energy Drink Theft
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Posted by Shelby Percival
- Posted in BlogsNews
On Thursday November 9, 2023, CBC News published an article by reporter Jorge Barrera on the story of Mario Baptiste Jr, a Mohawk man from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, who was allegedly assaulted by members of the Belleville Police Service (“BPS”) on November 15, 2019. Despite the fact that the alleged assault resulted in serious injuries to Mario, the Special Investigations Unit (“SIU”) did not invoke its mandate for another 13 months.
In May 2021, BPS Constables Paul Fyke, Jeffrey Smith, and Kyle Dodds were each charged with assault causing bodily harm. The trial against Constable Fyke and Smith began October 16, 2023, and is expected to wrap up next week on November 16, 2023. The charge against Constable Dodds was withdrawn shortly before the commencement of the trial in October.
Falconers LLP partner Asha James and associate lawyer Shelby Percival have the honour of acting for Mario in his civil proceedings against the Belleville Police Service.
Related Documents:
Baptiste Amended Statement of Claim – Issued July 6, 2022
Belleville Police Service Amended Statement of Defence – Issued September 30, 2022
Media Coverage:
Jorge Barrera, CBC News (Nov. 9 2023) – “Video of alleged police assault of Mohawk man raises questions about delay in watchdog’s probe”
