Ontario’s police watchdog has charged two Belleville police officers after a local man was injured during an arrest last year.
Thursday, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said Const. Matthew Sweet and Sgt. Kyle King, of the Belleville Police Force, were both charged with assault causing bodily harm.
The charges stem from an investigation in Belleville in September of last year.
According to the SIU, a 28-year-old man and two others were arrested during the search of a home on Coleman Street.
The 28-year-old later complained of pain and was sent to hospital where he was diagnosed with serious injuries.
In a statement, Belleville police Chief Michael Callaghan said he understands the charges against the two officers are “very serious.”
“This is a very difficult time for the officers involved and all of our members at the Belleville Police Service. We would respectfully request that you not prejudge these officers and that you listen to the facts of this case and allow the due legal process to take place,” Callaghan said.
The two officers are set to appear at a Belleville court on March 18.