Man involved in violent arrest in Campbellton, N.B. released from custody on Monday
The New Brunswick man at the centre of a violent arrest caught on camera Friday afternoon in Campbellton, N.B. was released from custody on Monday.
Andre Mercier, 30, was arrested Friday afternoon after police responded to reports of a man wielding a stick while entering local businesses in Campbellton's downtown.
According to New Brunswick RCMP Sgt. Mario Maillet, when officers arrived, Mercier resisted arrest and an altercation ensued.
Part of the altercation and arrest was recorded and posted to social media sparking outrage in the community as a New Brunswick police officer is seen repeatedly striking Mercier, while an unidentified civilian holds down his legs.
Six investigators with Quebec's independent watchdog arrived in Campbellton Saturday night to begin the investigation, which officials say could take several weeks to complete.
"They're going door-to-door trying to talk to people, trying to find new eye witnesses," said Guy Lapointe, a spokesperson for Quebec's Bureau Des Enquetes Independantes. "At least one eye witness has come forward through our website."
On Monday, Mercier appeared in Campbellton Courthouse via video conference. He was charged with breach of probation and was released from custody. Mercier is scheduled to appear in Campbellton Courthouse on August 16.
Friends and family of the 30-year-old gathered at the Campbellton Courthouse during Mercier's appearance to show support after video of his arrest was widely circulated online.
"We came here to show Dre our support, to show him that he wasn't alone," said Jessica Fair, an organizer of the rally. "I'm sick of this stuff happening. Everyone says it's the first time it's happened but it's not. It's the first time it was filmed in Campbellton."
Fair says while she is relieved Mercier has been released from custody, she is worried about what could happen next.
"Once he leaves here today, where's he going to go?" asked Fair. "Will it be the same treatment as before? What's going to change?"
Ian Comeau, the mayor or Campbellton, addressed the public with a video statement posted to social media.
"There's been a lot of questions. A lot of unanswered questions and I think this external investigation is going to allow us to see the facts, the true story of what took place here Friday afternoon," said Comeau.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.