TORONTO, ON, February 10, 2023 – After more than three weeks of evidence during the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Mr. Abdurahman Hassan the jury rendered their verdict today, finding no wrongdoing on the part of OPP Provincial Constable Andy Eberhardt and Peterbourough Police Constable Alicia McGriskin.

The Inquest Jury found that Mr. Hassan’s cause of death was sudden death during struggle/restraint in the setting of schizophrenia and hypertensive heart disease. The jury’s cause of death statement and verdict completely exonerated PC Eberhardt, Constable McGriskin and the nurses.

It is important to recognize and acknowledge that during this incident PC Eberhardt and Constable McGriskin conducted themselves in the best traditions of the OPP and Peterborough Police Service, and Ontarians can be thankful for their service.

Background
On June 10, 2015 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre PC Eberhard along with Constable McGriskin of the Peterborough Police Service were on a ‘paid duty’ assignment to maintain the custody of Mr. Hassan while he was recovering from health issues.

In the late hours of June 10, 2015 and early on June 11, 2015 PC Eberhardt and Constable McGriskin assisted the dedicated nursing team to provide healthcare to Mr. Hassan. On both of those occasions the assistance of the officers was required by the nursing staff because Mr. Hassan was highly agitated, violent, uncontrollable, in addition to spitting and throwing feces at the nurses and officers. Their collective goal on both occasions was to ensure Mr. Hassan’s healthcare was addressed in a timely manner while ensuring the safety of all of the persons involved.

During the second incident, Mr. Hassan was again highly agitated, thrashing, uncontrollable, and spitting and throwing feces at the nurses and officers. While Mr. Hassan’s healthcare needs were being addressed, he was again restrained by the nurses and police and it was during this interaction that he suddenly and tragically died.

Sadly, our OPP officer, PC Eberhardt died in 2018. It is important to note that the jury was able to rely on a voluntary audio statement he provided to the Special Investigations Unit during their investigation of Mr. Hassan’s death. PC Eberhardt and Constable McGriskin were both subject officers in the SIU investigation, and were both cleared of wrongdoing by the Director of the SIU in 2017.

A copy of the verdict is attached to this press release.

Media Contact:
Ontario Provincial Police Association
Scott Mills
Strategic Communications Coordinator
communications@oppa.ca
Cell 647-449-2801

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