The Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission is being brought in to independently investigate a rough arrest caught on video in Saskatoon on Saturday.

Police allege they were called to the 500 block of 11th Street East, where officers encountered a man that had caused damage to property.

SPS assert the man attempted to disarm the officer and a struggle ensued for several minutes.

A video posted to social media shows the struggle and actions by police.

However, the video does not show the man’s face.

The Indigenous Joint Action Coalition claims the man is Indigenous and that police were there on a wellness check.

“The officer uses pepper spray and continuously punches him,” the Coalition said in a Facebook post.

Police admit to using a taser on the man.

“We call for an end to violent police responses directed toward substance users and those with mental health and wellness concerns,” the group explained.

The Coalition calls for the officer to be immediately fired.

The Saskatoon Police responded stating it is aware of the video.

“During the arrest and following a several minute struggle with the first responding officer, the arrested subject sustained non-life-threatening injury to his face. He was assessed by paramedics at the scene of his arrest, and was observed while in custody by the on-duty paramedic in detention,” police said in a statement.

The officer has been placed on leave while an initial review of the use of force is conducted.

Police concede the effects of addictions and related mental health issues were present during the arrest and will be taken into account during the investigation.

“I recognize this incident was a traumatic event for our community, for those involved and for those who witnessed it,” said Chief Cooper. “Whenever force is used, we are accountable and I want to assure the public that this is being taken seriously and we will do our utmost to be open and transparent as the investigation unfolds.”

(Photo: Saskatoon police arresting a person on July 4. Courtesy of Indigenous Joint Action Coalition Facebook.)