Former Saskatoon cop charged with assault expected to testify Wednesday

A former Saskatoon police officer charged with assault is expected to testify in his own defence Wednesday.

The trial for Jarett Gelowitz began Monday. Gelowitz was involved in a controversial arrest in 2016. He was later fired from the Saskatoon Police Service.

Justice Richard Danyliuk will have to decide if Gelowitz's actions constituted criminal assault.

Gelowitz's lawyer, Brad Mitchell, told court Tuesday that he expects his client to testify when court resumes Wednesday. The Crown wrapped up its case after calling alleged victim Kehler Bear and several officers as witnesses.

Video from cameras mounted on police vehicle dashboards were also played in court. They showed Bear leading officers on a 10-minute chase at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.

Officers eventually punctured the tires of the SUV driven by Bear, bringing it to a stop in the Exhibition neighbourhood.

The video shows Gelowitz appearing to punch, kick and knee Bear. An officer appears to yell "stop" before Gelowitz drives his knee into the man's covered face. Bear is pulled onto the ground and taken into custody.

Most officers from the scene testified they didn't see whether Gelowitz punched or kicked Bear. One said he did see Gelowitz punch Bear and appear to strike him with a knee.

Under cross-examination, officers agreed they are taught to use escalating force — including punches and kicks — when necessary. They agreed it was a dangerous situation.

Officers knew the SUV was stolen, increasing the risk that firearms or other weapons may be involved.