URGENT UPDATE: A Burlington man, Daniel Dobson, is pursuing a massive $3.5 million lawsuit against Casino Rama and local police after criminal charges tied to a December 2022 incident were recently halted. The Ontario Court of Justice ruled on April 7, 2023, that the lengthy prosecution violated Dobson’s right to a timely trial, leaving him to grapple with lasting physical and financial scars from the ordeal.
Dobson, aged 41, was arrested following an altercation with casino security and Rama Police, facing a staggering eight counts including assault and resisting arrest. He has consistently claimed the allegations are unfounded, stating he was the victim of an unprovoked attack. According to local news reports, Dobson described the experience as a “nightmare,” underscoring the emotional toll it has taken on him.
The judge’s decision has brought Dobson a measure of relief but does not erase the experience. He revealed he spent approximately $25,000 defending himself against charges he believes were baseless. In a shocking account, Dobson alleges that he was tackled and beaten while trying to exit the casino peacefully. He claims the confrontation resulted in concussions and ongoing injuries to his arm and wrist, with officers reportedly pulling his sweatshirt over his face and shackling him during transport, rendering him briefly unconscious.
Despite his assertions, police documents allege that Dobson bit both an officer and a security guard during the incident. He has since enlisted an independent forensic dentist to dispute these claims. Dobson’s civil lawsuit, filed in 2024, targets not only Casino Rama and its parent company, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, but also the Rama Police Service and several named officers and guards, citing negligence, excessive force, false arrest, and malicious prosecution.
As of now, Casino Rama has filed a defense, while the Rama Police have yet to respond. Dobson has also filed a complaint against a police constable for alleged abuse during his arrest, but an internal review concluded no misconduct occurred.
The impact of this ordeal remains profound for Dobson, who continues to suffer from daily pain. He is calling for accountability and an official apology. “My aim is not just for compensation but to expose what I see as a failure of justice,” Dobson asserted.
The story continues to develop as both sides prepare for what could be a high-profile legal battle. For those tracking this case, expect further updates as new information emerges.
