The SIU has charged Constable Sean James of the St. Thomas Police K9 Unit with Assault Causing Bodily Harm.
The charge stems from an incident on September 1st where a 29-year-old man, who was wanted on multiple warrants, ran away from police attempting to arrest him. Officers caught up with the man and placed him under arrest, but the suspect was injured in the process sparking an SIU investigation.
During the incident, Constable James’ K9 Axle was also injured after attempting to chase down the suspect, and being struck by a passing vehicle. PSD Axle was taken directly to an animal hospital where it was determined that he suffered no broken bones and is now recovering at home.
Constable James will remain on active duty as the Canine handler pending the court proceedings.
In 2016, James and two other St. Thomas Police officers were cleared by the SIU of assault charges following the takedown in London of a mistaken suspect in a violent robbery at B&L Jewellers on First Avenue in St. Thomas.
