Toronto police say no charges will be laid against two transit enforcement officers following an investigation into a violent altercation caught on film at Union Station earlier this year.
TTC spokesperson Brad Ross told CP24 Monday that police have informed the transit commission the use of force by the officers was lawful and justified.
The altercation took place Jan. 29 following a Maple Leafs game and an investigation was launched after YouTube video of the incident emerged in March that appeared to show one of the officers punching a man in the face repeatedly after his colleague was punched.
TTC CEO Andy Byford asked Toronto police to investigate the incident after the video came to light and the officers were put on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Ross said the TTC has also implemented its own investigation process into use of force in response to the incident.
The two men involved in the altercation– a father and son – have been charged in connection with the incident.
In a statement to CP24, a lawyer for the younger man said he and his client are “disappointed” in the finding.
“I will be extremely interested in a detailed explanation on how those overhand rights (punches) are lawful and justified use of force and I feel that many members of the public are also interested,” lawyer Bruce Daly said in the statement.
Speaking with CP24 further in a phone interview, Daly said he hasn’t seen the police report yet, but finds it difficult to see how the force could have been justified.
“In 34 years of practicing criminal law, I have seen no definition of reasonable force that would countenance that kind of reaction,” Daly said.
A lawyer for the father declined to immediately comment on the report.
Jamie Gillman, 33, has been charged with two counts of assault and one count of uttering death threats in connection with the incident. Russell Gillman, 63, has been charged with one count of assault and one count of uttering death threats.
Their cases are still before the courts. Daly said a 2016 trial date has been set for Jamie Gillman.
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