Bouncer on Trial for Choking Incident – Death at Halifax Bar

During a trial at Nova Scotia Supreme Court, a Halifax police officer recounted an incident from nearly three years ago where he had to intervene to stop a bouncer from choking an unconscious patron outside a downtown bar. Const. Jairus Lamphier testified that he had to physically remove the bouncer’s arm from the patron’s neck as the situation turned critical.

The trial involves Alexander Pishori Levy, a former security officer at the Halifax Alehouse bar, who is facing charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence in connection with the death of Ryan Sawyer on Dec. 24, 2022.

Following Sawyer’s tragic death, concerns were raised regarding the training and oversight of bar security personnel. Sawyer’s family has been advocating for stricter regulations for individuals providing security at drinking establishments, with his mother, Lee Sawyer, addressing the issue at a recent legislative committee session.

Testifying in court, Lamphier described arriving at the scene with his partner after a disturbance call. He witnessed Levy holding Sawyer in a concerning manner, with Sawyer unconscious and limp while Levy had him in a chokehold position on the ground.

Despite Lamphier’s repeated demands for Levy to release his grip, the bouncer appeared unfazed and continued exerting pressure on the victim. It was only after Lamphier physically intervened that Levy relented, allowing the officers to separate the two. CPR was immediately initiated on Sawyer, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

As the trial unfolded, additional testimonies were heard, including that of Sawyer’s twin brother, Kyle Sawyer, who was present at the bar that fateful night. Kyle recounted a series of events that led to the altercation, mentioning an initial confrontation inside the bar that escalated outside.

Kyle Sawyer admitted to being intoxicated that night and engaging in physical altercations before the fatal incident. He was subsequently arrested and taken for medical evaluation, while his brother was fighting for his life in the hospital.

The trial is ongoing, with more witnesses expected to testify in the coming days.

MORE TOP STORIES