Apprehension Risks for Security Guards: Lessons from the Sault Ste. Marie Biting Incident

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On July 18, 2025, a 26-year-old man was arrested for theft by security guards at a Sault Ste. Marie business. What should have been a routine shoplifting incident quickly escalated into violence when the suspect bit one of the responding guards during the arrest. Police later charged the man with both theft and assault.

For many working in retail loss prevention (LP) or frontline private security roles across Canada, this story feels all too familiar. Security guards make lawful arrests every day — but few expect to be bitten, spit on, or attacked in such an unpredictable way. Yet incidents like this are more common than most people realize, especially in environments where guards must physically control resisting individuals.

This incident provides an important opportunity to examine the real risks associated with apprehensions, and to highlight training, policy, and preventive strategies that help keep Canadian security professionals safe.

What Happened: The Sault Ste. Marie Apprehension

According to CTV News, security staff confronted a man suspected of stealing merchandise from a commercial business. When the guards attempted to place him under arrest, the suspect became violent and bit one of them, causing “minor injuries.” Security eventually gained control and turned the suspect over to police.

While biting may seem unusual to the public, it is a known risk for guards who must use physical control, particularly:

When someone feels overwhelmed, panicked, or cornered, they may resort to any defensive behaviour available to them — including biting. It may leave only a small physical wound, but the exposure risk to bodily fluids and the psychological impact on the guard are significant.

Understanding Why Violence Happens: The Fight–Flight–Freeze Response

Many believe violence starts with obvious warning signs: yelling, threats, raised fists, or weapons. In reality, violence often begins with fear, not aggression.

When a person realizes they are caught stealing:

  1. They may attempt to flee.
  2. If stopped, they may panic.
  3. If their arms or legs are restrained, they may switch to whatever response seems available — spitting, biting, head-butting, or wriggling violently.

This escalation pattern is predictable, which means trained security professionals can plan for it. The more prepared a guard is for resistance, the better they can maintain control while minimizing injuries to themselves and the subject.

Practical Strategies for Safer Apprehensions

1. Approach Every Suspect with Caution

Even compliant-looking individuals can escalate suddenly.

  • Maintain a reactionary gap
  • Use controlled positioning
  • Avoid cornering the suspect before you’re ready for potential resistance

2. Expect Resistance the Moment Physical Contact Occurs

Research and industry experience show that resistance spikes when:

  • A guard blocks an exit
  • A suspect is told they are under arrest
  • Physical contact is initiated
  • Multiple guards begin controlling limbs

This is the highest-risk moment for biting and spitting.

Preventing Violence Through Communication and De-escalation

Before any physical action, guards should rely heavily on communication — the most effective tool in a security professional’s toolkit.

A calm, clear, and authoritative approach reduces panic and increases voluntary compliance. For example:

“I’m with store security. You’re under arrest for theft. Please come back inside so we can resolve this safely. You are not legally permitted to leave at this point, so cooperating is the safest option for everyone. Will you come with me?”

This type of statement:

  • Sets expectations
  • Maintains professionalism
  • Minimizes the suspect’s fear
  • Supports the guard legally by showing an attempt to avoid force

Even if physical control becomes necessary, the situation often involves less resistance when communication comes first.

Warning Signs: Recognizing Pre-Assault Indicators

Security guards should watch for cues that violence may occur, such as:

  • Clenched fists
  • Jaw tightening
  • Rapid breathing
  • “Target glances” at exits
  • Dropping posture
  • Weight shifting or blading the body
  • Verbal agitation or silence

Spotting these indicators early gives the guard time to adjust positioning, call for backup, or switch strategies.

Safety First: No Piece of Merchandise Is Worth Your Life

Security guards have a duty to protect people and property — but not at the cost of unnecessary personal risk.

In the Sault Ste. Marie case, the assault occurred while the guard prevented the suspect from leaving. This is a lawful action during an arrest, but it carries high risk.

Guard safety must be prioritized over:

  • Recovering stolen goods
  • Company expectations for apprehension rates
  • Avoiding criticism for letting a suspect walk away

If the risk level becomes unacceptable, disengagement and documentation may be the safer and more professional option.

The Shift Toward Non-Contact Apprehension Policies

Across Canada, a growing number of retailers and contract security companies are transitioning to non-contact or hands-off LP policies. This trend recognizes the high level of risk involved in physical arrests.

Advantages of non-contact approaches include:

  • Reduced risk of injury
  • Fewer assault incidents
  • Lower allegations of excessive force
  • Decreased corporate liability
  • Lower stress for guards

Instead of physical detention, guards may:

  • Use communication and deterrence
  • Monitor and document
  • Record video evidence
  • Forward incident reports to police for follow-up

In many cases, this approach protects both the guard and the organization far more effectively than a risky takedown.

When Physical Control Is Required

If force cannot be avoided, guards should:

  • Ensure adequate backup
  • Avoid moving the suspect into crowded or public areas
  • Maintain control of the suspect’s head and hands
  • Wear personal protective equipment (such as bite-resistant gloves)
  • Follow legal standards under Sections 494 and 25 of the Criminal Code
  • Use the National Use of Force Framework to justify the level of force used

The Role of Policy, Training, and PPE

Effective company policies and training reduce risk dramatically. All Canadian security guards should be trained to understand:

  • When they are legally allowed to make an arrest
  • When observation and reporting is more appropriate
  • How to use tactical communication and de-escalation
  • How to recognize pre-assault cues
  • How to apply reasonable force only when necessary
  • How to use PPE to reduce injury exposure

Without structured guidance, guards are left making split-second decisions under pressure — and these moments are where most injuries occur.

Conclusion: Prepare for the Worst, Work for the Best

The Sault Ste. Marie biting incident is a powerful reminder that even “routine” theft apprehensions can become violent without warning. Canadian security guards must balance the need to protect property with the responsibility to stay safe.

By focusing on communication, maintaining situational awareness, following policy, and using physical control only when necessary, guards can reduce risk while staying professional, legal, and effective.

Overcoming a challenge is good — but avoiding unnecessary danger is even better.

For advanced training on communication, lawful arrest, and safe physical intervention, visit Security Guard Course (SGC) for Use of Force and De-escalation courses designed for Canada’s security industry.

Last Updated on Nov 28, 2025

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