Somali-Canadian dies from injuries sustained during his arrest by Police in Ottawa, Canada

Footage obtained from a witness video clips

A Somali-Canadian who was arrested for an allegation of groping people at a coffee shop downtown Ottawa has died. According to our sources, the deceased suspect known as Abdirahman Abdi died from injuries sustained while he was being arrested.

The 37 year-old deceased with a record of mental health was resisting arrest by the police which prompted the Ottawa police to employ some degree of force to effect the arrest including pepper spraying. However, it appears that the deceased could not withstand the shock and gave up the ghost.

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The alleged sexual assault occurred at a Hintonburg establishment located around Wellington West Avenue and Fairmont Avenue. The deceased suspect was found along the Hilda Street after pursuit. 

The brother of the deceased who witnessed the incident recounted the incident to CBC reporters. "I heard the screaming, and then I came out and I [saw] my brother lying down. Police [was] hitting him so badly like I have never seen something like that in my life," he told CBC. According to the brother of the deceased, "they were hitting him like an enemy."

Other eye-witnesses expressed their displeasure over the approach of the responding police officers to the situation. An eye-witnessed cautioned that "all the blood that he lost could have been saved  for a matter of just really taking this calmly." 

However, investigations has begun in earnest by Special Investigations Unit (SUI). Confirming the death of the suspect, the SUI stated that it has identified two police officers as the subject of the investigations, while another 5 police officers in addition to some eye-witness would be interviewed as witnesses. Thus far, five investigators and a forensic investigator have assigned with the investigation by SUI.

The mother of the deceased has further confirmed the death of the suspect. She further stated that contrary to reports, the deceased suspect died on Sunday, "45 minutes before he arrived under the care of the doctors," but was pronounced dead by Ottawa University Civic Hospital on Monday at 3.17pm after concerted efforts to revive the suspect. 

A statement released by the deceased's mother reveals that the family's focus is to "get ready for the funeral services" of Abdi and "deal with everything else as time comes."

While investigations continue, it would be necessary to avoid statements that may interfere with the process, as the Ottawa Police Chief confirms that the police community and its partners have reached out to the Somali community.

Sources: CBC, Ottawa Citizen and eye-witnesses accounts