Violent arrest of Western student causes controversy

A video posted on the Internet showing the violent arrest of a student at the University of Western Ontario is stirring controversy at the school.

School officials are defending the actions of London police and campus security in the arrest of the 22-year-old student, who was punched by officers numerous times.

The video, posted on YouTube, shows the student being held down by at least five officers as he is punched repeatedly in the hallway of a campus building Wednesday.

Director of campus police Elgin Austen says the student led officers on a chase through the building and people viewing the video alone may get the wrong impression.

He says the student was violent and out of control and the use of force was justified.

Related Posts

Campus life at Canadian universities during the second pandemic school year

Canadian universities are welcoming students back to class, residence and even karaoke events. But there’s still plenty of online instruction, and some schools have vaccine mandates.

Five basic kitchen supplies every student should have

You don’t need a Le Creuset Dutch oven to whip up a delicious meal for one (or, say, eight). A few key items are enough to launch your cooking career—and some of them may even last you a lifetime.

The student, who Austen described as about 6 foot 2 and more than 200 pounds, was taken to hospital for observation and then released into police custody.

Irnes Zeljkovic has been charged with mischief under $5000, assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest and escaping custody.

- The Canadian Press