A London police officer has been charged with assault in connection to a spring arrest that left a 60-year-old man with serious injuries.
The Special Investigations Unit announced Tuesday that Constable Omar Hassan is charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm.
An investigation by the province's police watchdog found London police were called about a man standing on the side of Wellington Rd., south of Wilkins St. just before 8am on May 12. Officers arrested the man, who was later released unconditionally.
"Later that day, the man was transported to hospital as a result of experiencing pain. He was later diagnosed with serious injuries," the SIU said in a news release.
As a result of the investigation, SIU Director Tony Loparco said there are "reasonable grounds to believe a London Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the arrest."
The officer will appear in London court to answer to the charge on September 5.
The SIU conducts criminal investigations into incidents involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.
