Hamilton police officer who violently arrested an Indigenous man hears impact statements

Warning: This story contains disturbing images.

Indigenous community members read impact statements on Friday in the sentencing hearing of Hamilton Police Cst. Brian Wren.

Wren has pleaded guilty to assault in connection to the violent arrest of Patrick Tomchuk, an Indigenous man at a gas station last spring. Wren appeared virtually in court while Tomchuk appeared in person.

READ MORE: Court stays charges against Indigenous man assaulted by Hamilton police officer

Two community impact statements were read focusing on last year’s incident’s impact on the Indigenous community.

On May 26 2022 police were investigating a stolen vehicle at a gas station on Upper Sherman Avenue. Video recorded by a witness shows Tomchuk unresponsive as a plainclothes police officer stomped on his head. Wren was suspended and charged with assault in connection with the incident. He pleaded guilty to assault in February.

READ MORE: Hamilton police officer expected in court today after violent arrest of Indigenous man

Appearing virtually, the National Vice-Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples said Indigenous people are often targets of violence and discrimination by law enforcement saying the incident was a “reminder of how little reconciliation has changed.” He also said he “can only guess there are a number of other incidents not caught on camera.”

Aboriginal court worker, Jessica Montana, appeared in person echoing the same concerns saying, “The violent assault on one of our relatives and members has a massive impact.” and “While physical injuries heal, intangible wounds last.”

Wren was given a chance to speak as well. He apologized to Tomchuk, the Indigenous community, and the Hamilton Police Service saying, “In no way was the actions conducted by myself on May 26th taught to me by the Hamilton Police Service.”

Wren said, “…I went a little too far,” “I was scared for myself, I was scared for the community and for my fellow officers.” and “I am extremely sorry and have learned a valuable lesson from all of this.”

The court heard submissions from both sides however, the judge said a decision
is not expected this evening.

READ MORE: Hamilton police board to review use of force policy after officer charged with assault