On Tuesday, Jan. 3, after completing an internal review of an incident that occurred overnight on January 2 in the Hanover Police Service cellblock, the Chief of Police ordered a criminal investigation related to the use of force on a person in custody to determine if the level of force used was appropriate in the circumstances.
The Hanover Police Service requested the assistance of the Owen Sound Police Service to conduct the internal criminal investigation that has resulted in the arrest of a Hanover police officer identified as Constable Kelly Breen.
On Thursday, Mar. 9, Constable Breen, a 25-year member, was arrested and faces the following charges:
- Assault with a Weapon – Section 267(a) cc
- Administering a Noxious Thing – Section 245(1)(b) cc
- Assault – Section 266 cc &
- Breach of Trust by Public officer – Section 122 cc
He was later released from Owen Sound Police custody with conditions to appear Wednesday, Apr. 12, in Walkerton Court to answer to the charges.
During the course of the investigation, Constable Breen was reassigned to station duties. However, effective March 9, he was suspended with pay in accordance with the Police Services Act of Ontario.
Since this matter is currently before the courts, there will be no further information released at this time.
Source: media release, Hanover Police
