TORONTO, CANADA…On October 16, 2006, at about approximately 1:40 pm after checking out of the Econolodge Hotel (335 Jarvis Street) in downtown Toronto, Tonye Allen and his fiancée, Ann Brown, were assaulted by several Toronto policemen from the 51 st Division while in the process of hailing a taxi. Mr. Allen, who did not resist , was beaten and pepper sprayed several times while handcuffed and in police custody. Ms. Brown was choked, shoved and threatened with arrest as well.

Mr. Allen was never told why he was being detained. The arresting police refused to tell Ms. Brown where they were taking Mr. Allen. After locating the correct police station, Ms. Brown eventually spoke with a "Det. Moyer," who said he "hadn't decided" what he was going to charge Mr. Allen with. Ultimately, Mr. Allen was charged with assault of two policemen and resisting arrest, times two.

His American passport was taken by "Det. Moyer" after Ms. Brown posted a cash bail of $1,000. Mr. Allen and Ms. Brown have very limited financial resources to remain in Toronto and to pay for legal expenses to fight these bogus charges.

Mr. Allen had never been arrested. He had no criminal history. He has no history of drugs or alcohol abuse or psychiatric problems. Mr. Allen, also known professionally as TRILOBITE, is a photojournalist whose work has appeared in: Essence magazine, Vibe magazine, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, LA Weekly, The Source Magazine. He has worked for Sony Music, PolyGram Records, Def Jam Record, Columbia Music, and Interscope. Ms. Brown is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, Upscale Magazine, The Source, and various other publications. Ms. Brown has written several glowing stories for Toronto.

Mr. Allen sustained the following injuries:

Head abrasions and bruises

Ear abrasions and bruises

Possible concussion

Right eye: deep cut on eye lid

Black left/right eyes

Damaged left eye, loss of sight (previous 20-20+ vision)

Left ear loss of hearing

Lip bruised

Dislocated jaw

Abrasions/bruises on right cheek

Right and left shoulders contusions and bruises

Left wrist: deep cuts, ligature marks, nerve damage

Right wrist: cuts, ligature marks, nerve damage

Left and right hands: abrasions, nerve damage

Right ring finger dislocated

Bruised ribs

Abrasions on torso

Bruised thoracic vertebrae

Left and right knees: abrasions and bruises


*This is not a full medical assessment/photos taken 10-20-06.



Contact: S&S Associates 908-221-1660