Watchdog investigators have called off a probe into allegations of sexual assault by a Guelph police officer, as well as related but separate in-custody injury investigation.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) announced Tuesday its investigations had been terminated, though only reasons for the injury investigation were publicly provided.
In response to inquiries from GuelphToday, a spokesperson said there was "patently nothing to investigate as far as the potential criminal liability of the officer" regarding the sexual assault complaint.
The probes stem from a woman’s arrest on Nov. 2 in relation to an assault case.
“While lodged in a cell, she repeatedly kicked at the cell door. The woman was subsequently taken to hospital and diagnosed with a fractured right foot,” explains the SIU release, noting there is video evidence of what transpired.
“The video footage strongly suggested the woman broke her own foot when she struck the cell door – she was seen limping and examining her right foot shortly after that behaviour. On this record, it was evident that the woman was solely responsible for her injury.
“Accordingly, there being patently nothing to investigate as far as the potential criminal liability of any officer was concerned, the file has been closed.”
The SIU conducts criminal investigations into allegations involving police officers reported to involve serious injury, death and/or sexual assault. Its investigations can result in charges being laid against officers.
