SUING ABBOTSFORD POLICE

A wheelchair-bound man is suing the Abbotsford Police department for
an alleged assault and negligent treatment he suffered in police
cells after his home was subject to a drug bust in November.

Ryan Moonie, formerly of Abbotsford and now living in Vancouver,
filed a statement of claim in B.C. Supreme Court on Monday.

Moonie was arrested Nov. 27 after the Abbotsford drug squad raided
his rural home, and discovered a large marijuana grow operation and a
number of loaded guns, police reported at the time.

Moonie alleges that after his arrest he was kept outdoors in -8 C
weather, and placed in handcuffs very tightly, which caused a great
deal of pain. He allegedly had his head held down between his feet,
causing serious discomfort and respiratory distress.

While kept in APD cells for 15 hours before his release, Moonie
states he was denied medical treatment; wasn't given most of his
prescription medications or access to a disabled bathroom, and so was
forced to urinate in and soil his pants, and employ a used catheter.

The lawsuit claims Moonie suffered a respiratory tract and bladder
infection, pain and mental anguish.

The court documents also state the police damaged his property and
unlawfully seized possessions including medicinal marijuana, cash,
goods and fixtures.

At the time of the raid, police reported seizing 850 marijuana plants
and approximately 50 pounds of dried marijuana from Moonie's home in
the 29000 block of Marsh McCormick Road.

A loaded rifle was found near the front door of the home and two
loaded handguns were discovered in a bedroom.

Moonie is charged with drug production, possession for the purpose of
trafficking and eight weapons-related charges in connection to the raid.

His next appearance in Abbotsford provincial court is scheduled for June 5.

A total of eight officers, the APD and the City of Abbotsford are
named as defendants in the civil suit. No statement of defence to the
claim has been filed.

Police spokesman Const. Casey Vinet would not comment on the case,
saying the APD has not yet been notified of the allegations or
received the statement of claim.