SIU charge two Peterborough police officers with assault causing bodily harm

The Special Investigations Unit has charged two Peterborough police officers with assault following an arrest of a man last August.

In a release, SIU director Tony Loparco says he has reasonable grounds to believe the officers committed criminal offences in relation to an arrest of a 60-year-old man on Aug. 3, 2017.

The SIU investigation said around 2 p.m., officers attended a commercial-residential building located in the area of Water and Simcoe streets for reports of a man causing a disturbance.

The officers went to the second floor and were involved in “an interaction” with the man who was arrested and taken to the police station, the SIU stated.

“He was then transported by ambulance to hospital where he was diagnosed with serious injuries,”  Loparco said.

As result of the SIU’s investigation, Const. Tim Fish and Const. Geunwoo Kim have each been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to s. 267 (b) of the Criminal Code.

They are scheduled to appear in court in Peterborough on Feb. 15.

“The matter is now properly before the courts,” Loparco said. “In consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.”

In a statement, the Peterborough Police Service said the officers are not suspended and will continue their regular duties.

“We have full confidence in both officers,” stated communications spokesperson Lauren Gilchrist.

Police said they are not offering any further comment on the incident.

The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police in which there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.