Charges against an Edmonton teenager arrested during a break-in have been stayed after a judge found “disturbing” misconduct by police officers, including excessive force, threatening to shoot the 13-year-old, and mocking him when he began to cry.
Judge cites excessive force and malice
Justice Julie Lloyd of the Alberta Court of Justice directed a stay of proceedings in the case of SHC, an Indigenous youth charged with two counts of break and enter and one other offence. The judge ruled that continuing with the trial would harm the integrity of the justice system.
“There were multiple uses of force that were excessive and Const. Awid’s conduct was motivated at least in part by anger and malice,” Lloyd wrote in her decision.
SHC, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, admitted to a series of break-ins on two nights in 2024. On the second night, he was cornered by two Edmonton police officers and initially tried to run before surrendering.
Security footage reveals aggressive tactics
Arresting officers Const. Dylan Awid and Const. Ryan Sanderson were captured on security footage swearing at SHC, pointing a Taser and a handgun at him after he surrendered, and dropping a knee onto his back while he lay passively on the ground. Lloyd said there was no reason for such force after SHC followed instructions.
“There’s a f—ing gun pointed at your head, man,” Awid told SHC, continuing to aim his Taser after the teen lowered himself to the ground. “Don’t f—ing move.”
Awid had previously been charged with assault for shoving a handcuffed suspect’s head into a wall in 2019. Those charges were stayed, and he received a reprimand in 2025 after admitting to excessive force in an “emotionally charged situation.”
Break-in details and arrest
SHC broke into an Edmonton home after dark on Aug. 26, 2024, stealing a backpack, a GPS unit, keys, and several hundred dollars worth of liquor. The homeowner discovered the mess the next morning and coordinated with a neighbor to catch the thief.
SHC returned early the next day but failed to steal anything due to a locked interior door. The homeowner called 911 as SHC moved to neighboring properties, attempting to open doors and a garage. Officers Awid and Sanderson arrived and were directed to the suspect, who surrendered with his hands up.
Edmonton police declined to comment on the case. Postmedia requested video of the arrest but did not receive a response by press time.
