Suspended Sarnia, Ontario police officer charged with assault and criminal harassment

SARNIA, Ontario – Police in Sarnia, Ontario say a suspended officer has been charged with numerous offences, including assault and criminal harassment.

Police said they were called on Friday to a dispute between two people who knew each other, one of them a 47-year-old suspended police officer.

They say the officer was arrested on Sunday and is also accused of animal cruelty and property damage.

According to police, the police officer has since been released on bail.

Sarnia's police chief said in a statement that the officer has been suspended from duty since the end of August 2023 and remains barred from any police duties.

Police Chief Derek Davis says the officer is facing charges stemming from an investigation by the Ontario Police Inspectorate, and any disciplinary action in the matter must wait until the court process is complete.

The boss says he has ordered a disciplinary investigation into the recent allegations.

“These circumstances are deeply troubling to all of our members, civilians and officials who continue to serve our community professionally around the clock,” Davis wrote in the statement.

“The Sarnia Police Department remains committed to resolving these matters promptly and transparently within the legal framework available under the law.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 3, 2024.

The Canadian Press