A Toronto police officer has been charged with assault and unlawful confinement after allegedly detaining and injuring a man in an apartment building last year.
The Incident
According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the incident occurred on November 30, 2023, around 9:30 p.m., when the officer and his partner responded to a call about a disturbance in an apartment building on Weston Road, near Lawrence Avenue West.
The SIU said the officers entered the building and encountered a 60-year-old man in the hallway. The officers allegedly detained the man and took him to a stairwell, where the officer who is now facing charges allegedly assaulted him.
The man suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Charges
The SIU, which investigates incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault, launched an investigation into the incident.
On March 4, 2024, the SIU director, Joseph Martino, determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the officer committed a criminal offence.
The officer, who has not been identified, has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm and one count of forcible confinement.
He is scheduled to appear in court on April 8, 2024.
The Reaction
The Toronto Police Service said it is aware of the charges and is cooperating with the SIU.
The service said the officer has been suspended with pay, as per the Police Services Act.
The Toronto Police Association, which represents the officers, said it is providing legal support to the officer and will not comment on the case as it is before the courts.
The lawyer for the man who was allegedly assaulted, Julian Falconer, said his client is relieved that the officer has been charged, but is still traumatized by the incident.
He said his client was not involved in any disturbance and was simply returning home from work when he was accosted by the officers.
He said his client suffered a broken rib, a punctured lung, and a concussion as a result of the alleged assault.
He said his client is seeking justice and accountability for the officer’s actions.
