News Release
Charge Laid against Toronto Police Service Officer
Case Number: 09-TCI-066
On April 23, 2008 TPS officers arrested a man on St. Clarens Avenue south of Bloor Street West. The man was later released from custody. The man contacted the TPS on April 24, 2008 and reported that he had sustained injuries during the arrest. The matter was then referred to the SIU for investigation.
Based on the results of the SIU investigation, the Director caused a charge of Assault Causing Bodily Harm contrary to section 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada to be laid against Constable Jason Goss of 14 Division TPS.
A summons was served on the officer this morning compelling his appearance before the Ontario Court of Justice at Old City Hall, Toronto on March 31, 2009, to answer to the charge. 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 an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as 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