spot_img
Friday, August 8, 2025
spot_img

Smiths Falls officers returned to active duty as external investigation continues into arrest video

spot_img
LAURIE WEIR

Two Smiths Falls police officers have been returned to active duty while an external investigation continues into their involvement in a forceful arrest that was widely circulated on social media.

In a statement released June 30, Smiths Falls Police Chief Jody Empey said that “as a result of an internal review, the decision has been made to return officers to active duty, while the external investigation continues with Cornwall Police Service.”

Empey said she would not be commenting further until the investigation is concluded.

The incident under review stems from the arrest of a 29-year-old female on June 7. Video footage shared online shows the female, who was already in handcuffs and barefoot, being pulled from the back seat of a police cruiser on Main Street East around 11 p.m. In the video, she is heard shouting profanities and accusing officers of striking her in the face with a flashlight. She is then restrained on the pavement by one officer while another stands nearby.

Earlier that evening, Smiths Falls police had responded to a call at a Lombard Street residence involving the same female. She was allegedly involved in uttering threats and assaulting another person. A second incident later that night at a local business reportedly involved a table being thrown and damaged.

The female was arrested for causing a disturbance and mischief. Following her arrest, police allege she spit and kicked through an opening in the cruiser’s plexiglass partition. She was assessed by EMS but refused treatment, police said.

She is facing multiple charges, including:

  • Two counts of assaulting a peace officer;
  • Two counts of mischief under $5,000;
  • Causing a disturbance;
  • Uttering threats; and,
  • Two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

These charges have not been proven in court.

Empey acknowledged public concern about the video and confirmed the service had initiated a formal conflict of interest assessment under Ontario Regulation 401/23. The matter was deemed an “institutional conflict” and referred to Cornwall Police Service for independent investigation.

Deputy Chief Chris Kettyle was appointed as the liaison officer during the investigation.

Anyone with further information or related concerns is asked to contact Smiths Falls Police at 613-283-0357, or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Formal complaints can also be submitted through the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency at leca.ca.

RELATED ARTICLE: Smiths Falls officers reassigned following arrest video, external investigation underway

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Smiths Falls Police address crash, bar incident and youth assault in series of responses

SUBMITTED No injuries after collision with hydro pole. Driver facing...

King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes exceptional Canadians

LAURIE WEIR In a special ceremony hosted by Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston MP...

UCDSB to host holocaust survivor Andy Rèti as Tour for Humanity returns

SUBMITTED The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to...

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Farmer grocer solider reeve

Ambrose Halladay moved into the Keyhole House in Smiths...

Impaired charge laid after a collision on Roger Stevens Drive

SUBMITTED A Toronto resident has been charged following a single...
spot_img

Stolen boat motor recovered in Arden

SUBMITTED BY OPP EAST REGION Arrest Warrant To Be Issued...

Council divided over veto, integrity complaints, and strong mayor powers in Rideau Lakes

LAURIE WEIR CHANTRY — The controversy around the Chantry office...

Disturbance results in multiple charges

SUBMITTED BY LANARK COUNTY OPP CARLETON PLACE - The Lanark...

Butterflies take flight again in Perth for second annual memorial release

Community gathers Aug. 20 to honour loved ones through...

Canada Post clarifies that the red flag’s only use is for outgoing mail

LAURIE WEIR PORTLAND — Rural residents, did you know that...

Six charged in Smiths Falls police investigations including impaired driving and animal cruelty

SUBMITTED / SMITHS FALLS POLICE SERVICE Breach investigation results in...

HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS: Markets, music and family fun this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img