News Release
Toronto Police Officer Charged
Case Number: 09-TVI-050
Other News Releases Related to Case 09-TVI-050
Danforth Avenue. The officer pursued the vehicle, which became involved in a
collision on Main Street north of Danforth Avenue.
Based on the results of the SIU investigation, Director Scott caused
criminal charges of Assault Causing Bodily Harm contrary to section 267(b) of
the Criminal Code and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle under section
249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code to be laid against Constable Ricardo Gomez.
Constable Gomez was served this morning with a summons compelling his
appearance in court on September 14th, 2009 to answer to the charges. Justice
Prosecutions of the Ministry of the Attorney General will have carriage of the
prosecution. As this matter is now before the courts, and in consideration of
the fair trial interests of the charged officer and the community, the SIU
will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.
The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates cases of serious injuries
(including allegations of sexual assault) and deaths involving the police.
Pursuant to section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU is
mandated to consider whether a criminal offence has been committed by an
officer(s) in connection with the incident under investigation and, where
warranted by the evidence, to cause a criminal charge or charges to be laid
against the officer(s). The Director reports the results of investigations to
the Attorney General.
If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
- publicly report the results of its investigations