VIDEO: Peel police defend actions of ‘aggressive’ cop at Brampton temple skirmish

Peel Regional Police have come to the defence of one of their officers who was involved in a skirmish with demonstrators in Brampton.

Police say they have internally investigated a complaint that the officer acted aggressively while trying to break up a fight.

The incident took place Nov. 3 during the now infamous protest at the Hindu Sabba Temple, located on The Gore Road.

Officers had been called to the scene when fights started to break out between Sikhs who support an independent state of Kalistan and the Hindu members of the temple.

“As officers were trying to de-escalate tensions, a video was captured and posted to social media that showed an altercation between an officer and a protester,” police say in a statement released on Thursday. “As officers were trying to de-escalate tensions, a video was captured and posted to social media that showed an altercation between an officer and a protester. Peel Regional Police understands that the video caused concern in the community. We take all complaints about officer conduct seriously and have conducted a review of the incident.”

Following their investigation, police say the officer acted accordingly as he was trying to disarm someone who was carrying a club and refused to give up the weapon. The name of the officer involved has not been released.

Police say the officer acted within the lawful execution of his duties.

Footage from the officer’s body-worn camera has been released and can be seen below.

Subsequent to the Brampton protest, Peel police have put together a special team to investigate any crimes that may have taken place at the Nov. 3 clash and any other protests between the two factions.

Anyone with suspect or general information is encouraged to contact police investigators at either 12 Division (Mississauga) at 905-453-2121 extension 1233, or 21 Division (Brampton) at 905-453-2121 extension 2133.