Police in Prince Rupert came under fire on social media last night, after a video of them tasing a man began to circulate online.
But, RCMP say the decision to use a taser was only made after the man failed to comply with other attempts to apprehend him.
They were initially called to the 300 block of 2nd Avenue West at 7:15 last night, for reports of a man laying in the doorway of a business.
Officers on scene say they recognized the man from previous incidents, and determined him to be intoxicated and unable to care for himself.
After he failed to provide a safe place to stay overnight, police placed him under arrest and attempted to handcuff him.
But he would continue to resist, prompting officers to call on back-up.
When other attempts to apprehend the man failed, police deployed a taser in probe mode to induce pain, afterwhich the man would comply.
He was held overnight and released on one count of obstruction.
Police are asking for witnesses, or anyone with video footage of the incident, to contact them at 250 624 2136.
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