Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jan 2006
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Colin Perkel, The Canadian Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/racial.htm (Racial Issues)

RACIAL PROFILING IN TAKEDOWN?

Cop Says 'Mistakes Will Happen' After Lawyer Is Accused Of Having 
Guns And Drugs

(CP) - A dramatic takedown of a black lawyer in an apparent case of 
mistaken identity has heightened fears of racial profiling in a city 
already on edge after months of gun violence.

"I wish I could tell you that this organization is a perfect 
organization, that it's only the criminals we will stop, but we know 
that mistakes will happen," Deputy Chief Keith Forde, Toronto's most 
senior black officer, said yesterday. "This police service is not perfect."

Jason Bogle, the target of a terrifying takedown last week by 
officers looking for the killer of Jane Creba, said there has been an 
"overwhelming response" from the black community over the incident.

"This is a situation that a lot of young black males are cognizant of 
and they never brought it to the forefront before," he said.

The officers eventually said he was the victim of mistaken identity 
and explained they were "trying desperately" to solve the horrific 
Boxing Day killing of 15-year-old Creba on Yonge St., Bogle said.

SURROUNDED BY CRUISERS

The 26-year-old man said he was sitting with his white girlfriend in 
his parked Lexus on a west-end street after celebrating his birthday 
last week when they were suddenly surrounded by several cruisers, 
only one marked.

"One drove fast, stopped on a dime just before hitting my bumper," 
said Bogle, who counted 12 plainclothes officers surrounding his car.

Hands on holsters, the cops yanked his door open and accused him of 
having drugs and guns, said Bogle, who grew up in the Malvern 
neighbourhood in east Toronto.

At one point, Bogle showed his Ontario Bar Association card, and an 
officer retorted, "so you're a lawyer and you sell drugs," Bogle said.

Humiliated and angry, Bogle said he plans to sue the force for $1.5 
million for wrongful detention and inflicting emotional distress.

Toronto Police refused to discuss the takedown, but the officers 
involved denied racial profiling accusations.

The officers had "legitimate reasons" to do what they did and went to 
"extraordinary lengths" to explain them to Bogle, police spokesman 
Mark Pugash said.
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