Man alleges Edmonton police Tasered him 27 times

A man who claims he was Tasered more than two dozen times by Edmonton police told a provincial review board Tuesday that officers ignored his requests for medical attention.

Craig Williamson told the Law Enforcement Review Board in Edmonton that on the day he was evicted from a rooming house in April 2002, officers took him into the hallway and used the stun gun on him.

"My belly blew out like a pregnant woman," Williamson recalled.

He said he was then taken to a police station where he was strip-searched and where his requests for medical help were ignored.

Michael Power, a lawyer for the Edmonton police, questioned Williamson's memory of events, pointing to discrepancies in statements he gave police. He also suggested Williamson exaggerated the complaint to enhance an upcoming civil suit against the Edmonton force.

Williamson denied the accusation.

Police say no Tasers were used

On Tuesday afternoon, Const. Charlene Douglas, who was the first to respond on scene, disputed Williamson's complaint and said officers thought he needed help because of the noise coming from his room.

Douglas said Williamson became abusive, but that police did not Taser him. She said officers were trying to be careful because of Williamson's obviously frail condition.

Williamson has cerebral palsy and weighed 93 pounds at the time of the incident.

Douglas told the board they discovered outstanding warrants for Williamson and called his arrest four years ago a "non-event."

Edmonton police reviewed Williamson's complaint against three officers and decided no internal charges were merited in 2005.

The Law Enforcement Review Board hears appeals of public complaints into police conduct, but cannot award damages or compensation.