No charge against B.C. officer after man’s finger broken during arrest

VICTORIA – Prosecutors in British Columbia say they won’t lay charges against a Fraser Valley police officer accused of breaking a man’s finger during an arrest.

The Criminal Justice Branch says there is no substantial likelihood the officer will be convictedfor any offence related to an incident on Jan. 28, 2014, in Abbotsford, B.C.

On that day, a report of domestic violence drew members of the Abbotsford Police Department to a local home, where the man was arrested.

The man alleged the arresting officer used excessive force while handcuffing him and as a result broke the small finger on his left hand.

The Criminal Justice Branch says it had reason to discount the complainant’s evidence because he told others he’d broken the finger earlier while skateboarding.

Prosecutors say the man and his sister, who was a witness, had been drinking alcohol, other police described the arrest as uneventful, and the man’s girlfriend heard no complaint of injury at the time.