News Release
Durham Regional Police Officer Charged
Case Number: 09-OCI-013
On January 5, 2009 just after 6:00 p.m. DRP officers arrested a 52 year old man outside of the Price Chopper Store at Wilson Road and King Street in Oshawa. The man sustained injuries during the course of the arrest.
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 Nicholas Baldini of the DRP.
A summons was served on the officer today compelling his appearance before the Ontario Court of Justice in Oshawa on April 20, 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