Two RCMP officers are facing assault charges relating to the arrest of a man in Richmond in 2019.
The BC Prosecution Service announced Friday that it approved charges against Richmond RCMP Cst. Matthew McGuire and Surrey RCMP Cst. John Tsonos. They have both been charged with one count of assault.
The incident happened in October 2019 when officers with the Surrey RCMP Auto Crime Target Team spotted a man allegedly driving a stolen vehicle in that city, according to BC RCMP.
Mounties said the vehicle was stopped in Richmond and the suspect arrested, with the help of a Richmond RCMP officer. The officers allegedly assaulted the man as they were taking him into custody.
“Immediately upon learning of the allegations, the senior officers in charge of both the Surrey and Richmond RCMP detachments initiated Code of Conduct investigations and criminal investigations against the officers involved,” said BC RCMP in a statement.
The results of the criminal investigation were sent to the BC Prosecution Service last year to consider whether charges should be laid.
“The charges were approved by an experienced Crown Counsel with no prior or current connection with the officers,” said the BC Prosecution Service in a statement.
Tsonos remains suspended with pay and McGuire is on administrative duties, RCMP said. The internal code of conduct investigation is ongoing.
Tsonos and McGuire are scheduled to appear in court on April 19.
