A police officer in Halifax recounted in court how he intervened to stop a bouncer from choking an unconscious patron outside a downtown bar nearly three years ago. The officer, Const. Jairus Lamphier, was the first to testify at the trial of Alexander Pishori Levy, a former security officer at the Halifax Alehouse bar facing charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death in connection to the December 24, 2022, incident that led to the death of Ryan Sawyer.
The incident has sparked discussions on the need for improved oversight and training of bar security personnel, with Sawyer’s family advocating for better regulations. In court, Lamphier described arriving at the scene with his partner after a disturbance call and witnessing Levy holding Sawyer in a concerning position on the ground. Sawyer appeared unconscious and unresponsive, with Levy applying pressure around his neck.
Despite Lamphier’s repeated demands to release the chokehold, Levy seemed focused and unresponsive until the officer physically intervened. Following the separation, CPR was administered to Sawyer, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Levy, who pleaded not guilty, worked at the now-closed Halifax Alehouse, which was sold in December.
Testimonies from four officers, including Lamphier, and Sawyer’s twin brother, Kyle Sawyer, shed light on the events leading to the fatal confrontation. Kyle Sawyer recalled a series of incidents at the bar, culminating in physical altercations with security personnel. Video footage showed the moments leading up to the altercation where Sawyer and Levy engaged in a confrontation outside the bar.
During cross-examination, Kyle Sawyer admitted to being intoxicated that night and possibly preparing for a fight. Following his arrest, he was taken to the hospital for evaluation and later released without charges. The trial is ongoing, with further testimonies expected on Tuesday.