A Toronto police officer has been charged after a 33-year-old man sustained serious injuries during an arrest in the city’s downtown core last summer. The incident, which occurred on August 3 near Victoria Street Lane and Dundas Street East, is now the subject of a criminal case following an investigation by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
On Friday, SIU Director Joseph Martino announced that Det. Const. Christian Campoli has been charged with one count of aggravated assault. The charge stems from an altercation that took place while police were making an arrest, during which a third party—unrelated to the arrest—was seriously injured. The injured man was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for significant injuries.
The SIU, an independent agency tasked with investigating incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault, did not provide further details about the case, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. Toronto Police Services also declined to comment, as the SIU has invoked its mandate, restricting the release of additional information.
However, Jon Reid, former president of the Toronto Police Association, previously provided some context about the incident. According to Reid, officers were arresting an individual for possession and trafficking of fentanyl when a third party attempted to intervene. “When the man refused to leave, an altercation took place with another police officer,” Said Reid
The charge against Det. Const. Campoli marks a rare instance of a police officer facing criminal prosecution in connection with their duties. The case has drawn attention to the use of force by law enforcement and the circumstances under which such force is applied.
As the matter moves through the courts, further details about the incident and the events leading up to the altercation are expected to emerge. The SIU’s decision to lay charges underscores the agency’s role in holding law enforcement accountable in cases where serious injuries occur during police interactions.