News Release

News Release

SIU Charges London Police Officer with Assault Causing Bodily Harm

Case Number: 26-OCI-124   

Mississauga, ON (9 September, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe a London Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the serious injuries suffered by a man in March of 2026.

On March 18, 2026, the man was arrested and apprehended under the Mental Health Act, and transported to Victoria Hospital. At the hospital, there was an interaction with an officer that resulted in the man suffering serious injuries. As a result of the SIU investigation, Cst Stephen Farrand is charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to section 267(b) of the Criminal Code.

Cst Farrand is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 80 Dundas Street in London on September 22, 2026.

As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation. 

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

Lisez ce communiqué en français.

Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES