A constable with the St. Thomas Police Service has been found not guilty of assault after the charge was dismissed yesterday (Thursday).
Const. Sean James had been charged with assault causing bodily harm after an incident last September where police attempted to arrest a suspect wanted on multiple warrants.
The suspect was injured in the process, sparking an SIU investigation after which James was charged.
In December the charge was reduced to assault and this week the Ontario Court of Justice ruled that Const. James was not guilty.
In a release, Chief Marc Roskamp noted, “I am pleased that this matter has concluded. Constable Sean James is a valued member of our police service and has remained on active duty as the STPS K9 Officer throughout these proceedings.
“Constable James and PSD Axle will continue to serve the residents of St. Thomas to the high levels they have become known for. Similarly, the Executive Leadership Team of the police service will continue to support the professional actions of our members as they consistently face the unprecedented challenges and increasingly confrontational and violent interactions that have been occurring over recent years.”
During the incident, Axle was struck by a passing vehicle after attempting to chase down the suspect.
PSD Axle was taken to an animal hospital where it was determined he suffered no broken bones and recovered at home.
A related story can be found here St. Thomas K9 Officer Charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm | 94.1 St.ThomasToday.ca (stthomastoday.ca)
