Quebec’s police watchdog is investigating the shooting of an Anishinaabe man from Kitcisakik, a small Algonquin community 500 km northwest of Montreal.
The shooting took place after a heated altercation between officers and Mats Wayne Gun, 33, on Aug. 1.
The chief of Kitcisakik says he’s heard several versions of the story – and as of now, details of what happened are unclear.
“There are different versions [of what happened]. There’s the family’s version, the police’s version – I don’t know information is accurate,” said Chief Régis Penosway.
“I’m still waiting.”
Penosway says the community of 483 is pushing for the truth – especially now that some officers with the provincial police force are wearing body cameras.
According to the Surete du Quebec, the body-worn cameras are part of a pilot project that is expected to last six months with strict protocols to follow concerning their use.
“The camera is activated when there’s a police check, meaning when a police officer is intervening with a person in need,” said police Lt. Benoit Richard.
“For example: he’ll activate his camera, will attempt to obtain information, and will turn off his camera when he is done. The camera is also activated when an officer pull his gun or taser from its holster. That happens automatically.”
Gunn was released from hospital and remains in police custody.
He was charged with assaulting two women and three officers of the peace.
But the case isn’t so open and shut for the people of Kitcisakik, who say they’ll keep pushing for a fair assessment of what happened during the altercation with police.
