A screen shot taken from a video circulating on social media. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Man tased by police on bench warrant; family calls for answers

Apr 4, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A man who was tased multiple times by members of the Prince Albert police service, and who currently lies in a coma, had a bench warrant for his arrest.

That’s according to court records obtained by paNOW. Boden Umpherville, 40, was scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5, but failed to show.

The outstanding charges from the Saskatoon and Prince Albert areas include driving while prohibited, possession of property obtained by crime, and multiple breach related charges.

With respect to the incident Saturday, a video posted to social media, and shared hundreds of times, shows multiple officers outside a black car, struggling with someone inside..

At one point, the vehicle accelerates forward and rams head on into a parked police vehicle.

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“Get out of the car,” one of the officers can be heard yelling, as a struggle continues..

The sounds of someone crying can also be heard, but it’s unclear whether it’s coming from the person in the car or a bystander.

As this is occurring, the car remains in drive. In order to get Umpherville out of the car, officers take the driver’s side door right off. Several weapons are used by officers including a conductive energy device, collapsible batons and pepper spray.

A picture taken after the incident. (paNOW Staff)

Police have released few details about the incident, but have explained the black Dodge Avenger was reported stolen by its owner. However, according to details released Tuesday, among the three people inside the car was the registered owner.

A loaded handgun was also recovered from the incident scene and has now been secured as an exhibit.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has been asked to review it.

SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man’s arrest and the cause of his injuries.

Prince Albert police have also indicated plans to investigate the actions of the man leading up to his arrest. No further information is being released at this time and a final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

In a statement provided by the Prince Albert Police Association, they offer their full support to the members involved.

“We have full support in the SIRT organization and in their investigation. We cannot comment on the incident itself but want the public to know that they can have full and continued confidence in all Police Members in Prince Albert.”

Umpherville’s friends and family, who contacted paNOW and confirmed the identity, expressed concerns over the number of officers involved, as well as the type of force used.

“That’s police brutality and they took it to the extreme to make him look like that and [he’s] fighting for his life right now,” Umpherville’s sister-in-law said.

Umpherville’s interactions with the law are not new. In April, 2020, he received a three-year sentence, for his role in the death of Duane Brett Ledoux.

While Umpherville was not the one who shot and killed Ledoux, he had been in the house where gang members had gathered, and assisted with Ledoux’s “minute” beating he received.

Umpherville entered guilty pleas to assault, and participation in a criminal organization. With credit for time spent in remand, Umphervile had about 70 days left to serve at the time of the 2020 sentencing hearing.

In addition to his prison sentence, Umpherville was ordered not to possess or own a firearm for life.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell