UPDATE: Smiths Falls arrest caught on video now under third-party investigation, officers placed on administrative duties

An outside police service has been called in to investigate a weekend arrest in Smiths Falls after a bystander video showed a woman being physically pulled by the leg from the back of a police cruiser and pinned to the ground.

Smiths Falls Police Chief Jodi Empey confirmed Monday that the incident, which took place in Smiths Falls on the night of Saturday, June 7, has been classified as an “institutional conflict” under Ontario Regulation 401/23 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. That designation requires police services to refer cases for external investigation when impartiality may be in question.

“We have determined this matter to be an institutional conflict and therefore we must refer it to another police service for investigation,” Empey said. She did not say which police service will be conducting the investigation.

The arrest occurred around 9 p.m. Saturday. Police responded to a residence on Lombard Street, where a woman was taken into custody and later filmed being forcibly removed from the cruiser by two officers. The video, which was shared widely on social media, shows an officer pulling the suspect from the cruiser by one leg, then pinning her to the ground while she insults him and accuses him of hitting her in the face with a flashlight.

The suspect, whom police did not name, faces multiple charges including assault police, causing a disturbance and uttering threats. Charges have not been proven in court.

“Every day our officers are faced with volatile individuals in this community,” Empey said. “Their well-being is important, as is those who are in our care and custody.”

She confirmed that both officers involved have been placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

Empey said she would not comment further on the matter until the external review is complete. Deputy Chief Kettyle has been designated the liaison officer. Members of the public who wish to file a complaint have been directed to do so through the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency.