Man shot with rubber bullets during wrongful arrest wants Vancouver police held accountable

An innocent man who was mistaken for a home invasion suspect and shot with rubber bullets last week wants to see the Vancouver police officers involved in his wrongful arrest held accountable.

An innocent man who was mistaken for a home invasion suspect and shot with rubber bullets last week wants to see the Vancouver police officers involved in his wrongful arrest held accountable.

Elijah Barnett told CTV News he was walking a friend's dog in the city's Yaletown neighbourhood last Wednesday when he was suddenly knocked to the ground.

"I thought I'd been hit by a car at first and realized I was being swarmed by police and K9 units," Barnett said in a written statement. "They were beating me and ripping at my clothes."

The officers also fired two less-lethal ARWEN rounds at him. Barnett shared pictures on social media showing large purple bruises on his stomach and buttocks after the arrest.

He claimed to have been handcuffed and detained for over two hours because he wasn't carrying a wallet or identification with him to prove his identity.

"After they realized their error I was 'dusted off' and sent on my way with a blatant empty apology," Barnett wrote. "I have cuts, scrapes and bruises all over my body. I feel like I've been hit by a truck and have mobility issues due to injuries."

He told CTV News he would like the officers who arrested him suspended without pay, and ultimately charged for the way he was treated.