Toronto Police Officers Charged

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott , has reasonable grounds to believe two Toronto Police Service (TPS) officers committed a criminal offence in connection with an incident involving a Toronto man in April of this year. The Director has caused a criminal charge to be laid against the officers.

On April 24, 2009 , at approximately 11:00 p.m. , 58-year-old Richard Moore was walking home along Gerrard Street. He passed two police officers who were dealing with another individual. Words were exchanged between the officers and Mr. Moore , and a short time later, there was a physical altercation. Mr. Moore was taken to St. Michael's Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Constable Edward Ing and Constable John Cruz of the TPS are each facing one charge of Assault Causing Bodily Harm, contrary to s. 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada .

A summons will be served on the officers tomorrow, and they are compelled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at College Park Courthouse in Toronto on November 16, 2009 . The appearance to answer to the charges will take place at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 505. Justice Prosecutions of the Ministry of the Attorney General will have carriage of the prosecution.

As this matter is now before the courts, and in consideration of fair trial interests, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.

The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries (including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police. Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU is mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid against the officer(s). The Director reports the results of investigations to the Attorney General.

For further information: Monica Hudon, SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES, Telephone/No de telephone: [phone] or/ou 1-800-787-8529