Kane Niyondagara, a 27-year-old Ottawa resident, experienced a harrowing encounter with local police under a case of mistaken identity on the morning of February 16. Niyondagara, who was returning home from a local Starbucks, found himself abruptly surrounded by officers demanding he kneel, under the aim of their drawn weapons. Despite his compliance and visible confusion, the situation quickly escalated.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has since acknowledged the incident as a mistaken identity case, though details from the police are scant. Niyondagara recounts a terrifying sequence of events: being shocked with a stun gun, struck in the face, and handcuffed, all before officers recognized their error. He had been wrongly identified as “Gibriil,” a name associated with a wanted individual. Niyondagara, who has no criminal record, was released once the mistake was realized.
This event, captured partially on bystander video, adds to the growing discourse on racial profiling and use of force by police. Statistics reveal that Black individuals in Ottawa are disproportionately subjected to police use of force. Niyondagara, who is Black, feels race played a significant role in his treatment.
The encounter began with Niyondagara facing an aggressive police response, leading him to flee, fearing for his safety. The chase ended dramatically with Niyondagara being tackled, pinned, and again shocked with a stun gun. Paramedics later confirmed the use of the stun gun and recorded injuries consistent with the confrontation.
As the community and Niyondagara seek answers and accountability, the incident has sparked wider conversations about police conduct, particularly towards racialized individuals. OPS has stated that the incident is under review, but the community and Niyondagara are calling for more than just internal evaluations. Having filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, Niyondagara hopes for justice and measures to prevent future occurrences.
Reflecting on the incident, Niyondagara connects his instinctive reaction to run to his upbringing in Burundi, where fear of law enforcement is pervasive. This encounter not only left physical scars but also a profound emotional impact, highlighting the need for police to address and rectify such deeply affecting mistakes.–Web Desk