‘Don’t try to kill the police’: Officer put in chokehold during fatal shooting of Sarnia man testifies during death inquest

The inquest into the shooting death of Justin Bourassa continued with testimony from the officer who was choked when Bourassa was killed.

A coroner’s inquest heard from London Police Const. Ryan Hendrick – one of two officers involved in an altercation that led to the death of 29-year-old Justin Bourassa on Oct. 28, 2021.

During his testimony, Hendrick told the jury that he and his partner Const. Joshua Ryan were attempting to stop Bourassa as part of a suspected break and enter investigation along the Richmond Row in downtown London

The officer said Bourassa matched the description of who they were looking for in connection with the investigation. The officers attempted to stop Bourassa to question him in an alley off Richmond Street when things took a turn.

A physical altercation broke out, and Hendrick found himself in a “rear-naked chokehold,” by Bourassa.

“The application of this choke was severe right from the onset…and the best way that I can describe it…it’s as if someone is trying to pop my head off, that is how strong this choke is,” he testified.

That’s when the situation became grave – during his testimony on Wednesday, Ryan said he believed he only had one option: He shot Bourassa in the neck.

Both officers testified that they attempted lifesaving measures, including CPR. Bourassa later died in hospital, from a gunshot wound to his neck.

Meaghan Daniel, counsel for Bourassa’s family questioned Hendrick and asked, “When you were testifying, you said you’ve been waiting for this for four and a half years, and in that time, sadly there are no recommendations, nothing you can think of that could have prevented this situation?”

“From a police standpoint, I mean no, my instinct is to say, don’t try to kill the police,” he replied.

During the week-long inquest, the jury has heard that Bourassa, a former tennis player and coach from Sarnia who suffered from mental health issues, had nothing to do with the suspected break-in.

In the days after the shooting three men would turn themselves into police, telling officers they were out in the area on the night in question with tools and a ladder stealing street signs.

The inquest resumes Thursday with Sgt. Daniel Thompson’s testimony, covering the reintegration process of an officer who was involved in a police-led shooting.

The inquest, which is slated to last until May 12 and will detail the circumstances of Bourassa’s death, and a jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths, but no findings of guilt are made.