SIU investigating alleged sexual assault by Wellington OPP officer

MISSISSAUGA – The province's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is looking into a sexual assault allegation made against an unidentified Wellington C0unty OPP officer.

SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said police called the SIU on Jan. 29 to notify the oversight agency about a sexual assault allegation.

The agency investigates police interactions involving serious injury, death, sexual assault allegations or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

"We launched an investigation," Denette confirmed.

"We haven't done any interviews or anything, so the information really that I have is the information reported to us by police."

Denette said an investigator will determine who might be involved and interview the complainant.

The SIU has not confirmed whether the officer was on duty at the time of the alleged assault, or where it occurred.

The unit's mandate largely pertains to on-duty offences, unless an off-duty officer exercised police powers, identified themself as an officer, or used police equipment.

Denette said the allegation "could potentially" involve an on-duty Wellington OPP officer and "may have occurred in Guelph."

If the SIU lays a charge, more information will be released.