Two tactical response members with the AFP appear to hold Tayler Christian Hazell on the ground after he had already been arrested. Photo: Supreme Court.
Two police officers were filmed allegedly assaulting the meth-affected driver who hit two schoolboys in Canberra after he had already been arrested.
Tayler Christian Hazell stole a Holden Commodore that contained an eight-year-old girl, before letting her go, then drove wildly from NSW into the ACT on 28 March 2025.
Documents reveal what happened when he crashed into the 14 and 15-year-old schoolboys as they were walking near St Edmund’s College in Canberra on 28 March 2025, leaving both with horrific injuries.
He tried to run when the car stopped in Manuka, but was tackled by members of the public before ACT Policing officers soon arrived to arrest, handcuff and place him on the ground.
It was after this that two tactical response members (TRM) with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrived and allegedly assaulted him.
This alleged incident was captured on body-worn camera footage and the dash cam of a car.
In the footage, Hazell can be seen sitting on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back, saying, “No, no, I’m done, I’m done”, when he is approached by the first TRM.
“No, you’re not f-ing done,” the TRM says, before grabbing his neck, pushing him down and kneeling on his back.
One of the ACT officers says, “He’s good, he’s good”, and, “Guys, body cam’s on”.
But the first TRM says, “Shut the f-k up” to Hazell while the second TRM runs in, and one of them can be heard yelling, “Stop resisting”. Hazell screams, “I’m not”, and “I’m already handcuffed, mate”.
The second TRM can later be seen kneeling on Hazell as well. Dash cam footage appears to show this TRM forcing Hazell’s head into the ground.
The footage was released after he faced the ACT Supreme Court for his sentencing hearing.
The AFP blurred the faces of the two TRMs before the footage was filed with the court.
The top two photos show Tayler Christian Hazell after he was arrested and before tactical response members arrived, while the two bottom photos show him when he was taken to hospital. Photos: Tendered to the court.
A spokesperson for the AFP said professional standards investigated the allegations in relation to this matter.
“Their inquiries determined conduct was in breach of AFP’s professional standards,” they said.
“Appropriate sanctions will be applied; however, this matter remains ongoing.”
Hazell’s lawyer and prosecutors both said he suffered an excessive or unlawful use of force that amounted to extra-curial punishment.
The 32-year-old has remained in custody since his arrest and will be sentenced on 27 March.
He pleaded guilty to charges that included two counts of culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm.
Erin Ritchie what are the odds this cafe gets a mention! View