Constable Jairus Lamphier recounted in court on Monday an incident from nearly three years ago outside a bar in downtown Halifax. He described having to physically intervene to stop a bouncer from choking an unconscious patron who had turned purple.
The trial at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court involves Alexander Pishori Levy, a former security officer at the Halifax Alehouse, facing charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence in the death of Ryan Sawyer on December 24, 2022. The tragic incident prompted discussions on the oversight and training of bar security personnel.
According to Lamphier’s testimony, upon arriving at the scene following a disturbance call, he observed Levy holding Sawyer in a troubling position on the ground. Despite Lamphier’s repeated demands for Levy to release the chokehold, the bouncer appeared focused and unresponsive until physically forced to let go.
After separating Levy from Sawyer, CPR efforts were initiated, but unfortunately, Sawyer did not survive. Levy maintains his innocence, and the Halifax Alehouse has since closed down, with the property changing ownership.
Additional testimonies from officers and eyewitnesses, including Sawyer’s twin brother Kyle, shed light on the events leading up to the tragic altercation that unfolded outside the bar that night. The trial is ongoing, with more details expected to emerge as proceedings continue.
