Quebec Police Encounter Leaves Man Fearful for Life

On September 1st in Laval, Ontario man Gula Omar faced an alarming arrest after being stopped by police. Omar, along with two cousins, was on his way to a bar in a rental car. Upon parking and exiting the vehicle, an officer instructed him to return to the car. Omar challenged the officer’s command, stating, "Why am I being detained?” This encounter quickly escalated when Omar alleged he was pushed, resulting in a physical confrontation. A video captured by one of his cousins shows Omar on the ground, restrained by two officers. Disturbingly, he reported being tased during the incident, expressing a real fear for his life while repeatedly stating, "I can't breathe.” After the altercation, an ambulance was called, and Omar was taken to the hospital. He received two traffic tickets for failing to provide a driver’s license and registration. In response, the Red Coalition filed an ethics complaint on his behalf, citing excessive force and racial profiling. Omar is also contemplating a civil lawsuit to address the situation. The Laval police claim that the stopping action was necessary to assess the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle, asserting that Omar resisted arrest. An internal analysis is reportedly underway to review the incident further. This case amplifies ongoing discussions about police conduct, racial profiling, and the use of excessive force in Quebec and beyond.