The Regina Police Service deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW), also known as a Taser, in the arrest of a 50 year-old Regina male this past weekend. Release of this information is in keeping with a commitment, since 2013, by the Regina Police Service to notify the public every time a Taser is discharged against a person.
On Saturday, January 1, 2022, at 7:52 a.m., police were dispatched to the 1500 block of Garnet Street to assist Regina Fire and Protective Services. The preliminary information indicated a male inside that location had a torch, setting off the fire alarms, but would not come out or allow firefighters to enter the premises. Police were let into the building by the owner of the property. Officers found the male in an upstairs suite; the male was holding a knife and refused police commands to put the weapon down. The male stepped towards officers; an officer deployed the CEW, or Taser. The male was taken into custody safely. A search of the suspect found two more knives tucked into his waistband.
Fifty year-old Melvin Ross LONGMAN, of Regina, is charged with:
- Assault a Peace Officer with a weapon (knife), s. 270.01(1)(a) CC; and
- Possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to public peace, s. 88 CC.
LONGMAN made his first court appearance on these charges in Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. today: Tuesday, January 4, 2021.
The use of the CEW/Taser has been documented in accordance with policy and will be reviewed by the Regina Police Service Use of Force Committee. All uses of force are also reported to the Saskatchewan Police Commission.
