Pepper Spray Used to Subdue Unruly Defendant

Many people get nervous before a court date, even if it’s not them who are going up on the stand. Some people may bite their nails out of nervous habit or even twiddle their thumbs. On the other hand, some people are brave, steadfast, and don’t let their nerves get the best of them. One prisoner though, as he was waiting for his turn on the stand, took his nerves out in a different way. He made such a commotion that pepper spray was needed to calm him down.

Shaun Michael Reid faced charges of assault and threatening. He was arrested after punching a bicyclist in the face after they had had an argument, according to Corporal Chris Swain.

Shaun Reid had been banging on the glass of the prisoner’s docket during his first trial before the provincial court. When told to calm down, he put up more of a fight. It took four sheriffs deputies and some pepper spray to get Reid under control. Because the pepper spray was deployed indoors, everyone in the courtroom had to leave. The room was then aired out. All of the afternoon appearances were moved to another courtroom due to the pepper spray.

What if the sheriffs weren’t there with their pepper spray to subdue Mr. Reid?
What if he had seriously injured himself or someone else? Luckily, those sheriffs had their pepper spray and were ready to defend the innocent spectators in that courtroom. The courtroom is a place for justice. It gives me a sense of security to know that we will be safe from potential harmful individuals.