Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service have been cleared by the Special Investigation’s Unit after they discharged a non-lethal device at a 32-year-old city man earlier this year.
On August 11th officers with Thunder Bay Police were dispatched to a Blucher Avenue residence to reports of a disturbance which later led to a standoff with 32-year-old Justin Coaster, who has been charged with second degree murder in the death of 37 year old Charlie Finlayson.
During the standoff an Anti-riot Weapon Enfield or ARWEN was discharged several times by officers, striking Coaster, who had earlier claimed he had a firearm and told police to “shoot him”.
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- Courtesy: Special Investigations Unit Anti-riot Weapon Enfield or ARWEN used by various police services including OPP and Thunder Bay Police
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- Courtesy: Special Investigations Unit Anti-riot Weapon Enfield or ARWEN projectile used to subdue Justin Coaster during August standoff
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- Courtesy: Special Investigations Unit Anti-riot Weapon Enfield or ARWEN cannisters
He retreated into the home before being taken into custody by the Emergency Task Unit 30 minutes later which required the use of a conducted energy weapon to do so. He was later treated by SNEMS and taken to hospital.
The SIU’s Director says the level of force at issue was legally justified. As officers had cause to fear Coaster was armed as a firearm had yet to be located and had been used in the murder for which he was wanted.
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