News Release
Toronto Police Officer Charged in Man's Injuries
Case Number: 08-TCI-138
Other News Releases Related to Case 08-TCI-138
SIU Invokes Mandate Following Judge's Ruling in Toronto Police Drug Investigation
The incident took place on June 7, 2006 when a search warrant was executed on an apartment located at 1550 Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto. A number of individuals, including Mr. Fisher, were charged with criminal offences as a result of the execution of the warrant. On June 26, 2008, Mr. Fisher and his co-accused were acquitted of all charges. The SIU only became aware of this incident as a result of the release of the reasons for judgment in that case. As a result of reading the decision by the judge which included allegations of excessive use of force, the SIU ordered a complete set of trial transcripts. For reasons outside the control of the SIU, the investigation was on hold until December 21, 2009 when the transcripts were finally received. They were read upon receipt, and further investigative steps were taken.
Detective Constable Gerrard Arulanandam of the TPS is facing one charge of Assault Causing Bodily Harm, contrary to s. 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada, and one charge of Uttering Threats, contrary to s. 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
A summons was served on the officer today, and he is compelled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at College Park Courthouse in Toronto on March 22, 2010. The Justice Prosecutions branch 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 fair trial interests, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this 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