A Niagara police officer has been suspended and charged in connection with an early February hit and run in St. Catharines, Ont.
Investigators say the crash happened in the area of Niagara Street and Welland Avenue on Feb. 3 and involved an unmarked police cruiser.
Halton police are now investigating the matter to avoid a potential conflict of interest and say the constable is facing three charges, including dangerous driving and failing to remain at a collision.
Spokesperson const. Steve Elms says the investigation revolves around an alleged “road-rage incident” which deteriorated into a verbal altercation in a parking lot.
“The accused then struck the victim with his vehicle (belonging to the Niagara Regional Police) and then fled the scene,” Elms explained in an email.
“The victim sustained an injury to his leg and attended hospital.”
The accused has since been released from custody, is suspended with pay and has a court date on July 2 in St. Catharines.
Detectives say Const. Chris Rawson has been a Niagara police officer for 23 years and was off-duty at the time of his alleged offences.