Fired Saskatoon cop found not guilty of arrest assault

A former Saskatoon cop is looking to get his job back after a judge cleared him of assault on Tuesday.

Cheers erupted in the courtroom after Justice Richard Danyliuk found Jarrett Gelowitz not guilty of using excessive force during an arrest in December 2016.

Gelowitz was charged after he was part of the arrest of Kehler Bear, who had led police on a high-speed chase through the city. Police dash camera footage shown at his trial showed Gelowitz delivering punches and knees to Bear’s body and head in the course of the arrest.

He was initially placed on administrative duties by the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), but was eventually fired over the charges.

Justice Danyliuk ruled on Tuesday that Bear was disobeying police commands and was resisting arrest. He noted police must use any necessary force to make the arrest.

“(Gelowitz is) really happy right now, he’s celebrating with family and friends,” defence lawyer Brad Mitchell told reporters after the decision was issued.

Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt said she would take time to review the 50-page decision before ruling out an appeal, but commented that Danyliuk’s assessment seemed “well reasoned.”

She added that the trial was an example of “justice being seen to be done,” and Gelowitz was given the same treatment as anyone else facing criminal charges.

“It was a case that needed to be taken to trial,” she said. “This is just an example of the system doing its work.”

Now attention for Gelowitz turns to a police act hearing in September, where he will attempt to regain his status as a working constable with the SPS.

“He’s always maintained he wants to continue on as a police officer, but we still have to address that,” Mitchell said.

Police Chief Troy Cooper issued a statement on the matter Wednesday afternoon. In it, he said the Saskatoon Police Service is reviewing the court ruling.

Cooper also said the decision to dismiss Gelowitz was based on unsuitability for the job and not the criminal proceedings, and there are still outstanding matters to be resolved.

A hearing has been scheduled for September.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Brent Bosker.