Burlington Man Pursues $3.5M Lawsuit After Casino Rama Arrest
UPDATE: A Burlington resident is taking urgent legal action after a judge just halted his criminal prosecution stemming from a violent altercation at Casino Rama. Daniel Dobson, 41, is pursuing a $3.5 million lawsuit against the casino, its parent company Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, and the Rama Police Service following his December 2022 arrest.
Dobson claims he was the victim of an unprovoked attack by security and police during a confrontation at the casino. He insists the allegations against him, including assaulting officers and making threats, are entirely fabricated. “This has been a nightmare,” Dobson stated, reflecting on his ordeal that has left him physically scarred and financially drained.
On April 7, 2023, Justice A.M. Nichols of the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia confirmed the halt of prosecution, stating that the delays violated Dobson’s Charter right to a timely trial. This ruling has given some relief to Dobson, who has already spent approximately $25,000 preparing his defense against what he believes are baseless charges.
The altercation began when Dobson attempted to leave Casino Rama quietly, but he claims he was tackled and beaten by security personnel. He alleges he sustained concussions and injuries to his arm and wrist during the incident. Furthermore, he asserts that officers pulled his sweatshirt over his face, shackled him, and transported him without a seatbelt, which caused him to lose consciousness temporarily. Despite requesting immediate medical attention, he was denied care, exacerbating his suffering.
In response to police documents that accused him of biting an officer and a security guard during the scuffle, Dobson has retained an independent forensic dentist to contest this evidence. His claim of excessive force and false arrest has led him to file a civil lawsuit in 2024, demanding accountability and an apology, in addition to financial compensation.
Casino Rama has filed a defense against the allegations, while the Rama Police Service has yet to respond to Dobson’s lawsuit. Additionally, Dobson lodged a complaint against a Rama police constable regarding alleged abuse during his arrest, but this complaint was dismissed after an internal review found no misconduct.
As of now, Dobson continues to endure daily pain and has called for accountability from those involved in the incident. He stresses that his fight is not just for personal gain but to highlight what he describes as a failure of justice.
This developing situation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding police conduct and accountability in public spaces. As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how it may impact both the casino and law enforcement practices in Ontario.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
