Thunder Bay Officer to Appear in Court Following SIU Investigation

THUNDER BAY, ON – June 4, 2024 – The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has charged a Thunder Bay Police Service officer with assault causing bodily harm following an incident in April 2023. SIU Director Joseph Martino announced that Cst. Taylor Auger faces criminal charges related to a serious injury sustained by a 33-year-old man.

Incident Details

On April 11, 2023, Thunder Bay Police officers arrested a man outside a business on May Street for public intoxication. The man was taken to the police station, where an altercation occurred between him and Cst. Auger. Following the incident, the man was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with a serious injury.

Investigation and Charges

The SIU investigation determined there were reasonable grounds to believe that Cst. Auger committed a criminal offense. Consequently, Cst. Auger has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm under section 267(b) of the Criminal Code. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 125 Brodie Street North in Thunder Bay on July 2, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Statements from Authorities

The SIU, which operates as an independent government agency, investigates incidents involving police officers that result in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. The unit conducts all investigations through civilian SIU investigators and ensures accountability and transparency in law enforcement.

In a statement, Thunder Bay Police Service Board Chair Karen Machado expressed concern over the charges and emphasized the importance of police accountability. “The charge laid today by the SIU is deeply concerning, as in any allegation of wrongdoing by a Thunder Bay Police Service member. The Thunder Bay Police Service Board values and respects the role of the SIU as a key pillar of police accountability in Ontario,” Machado stated.

Response from Thunder Bay Police Service

The Thunder Bay Police Service acknowledged the SIU’s findings and confirmed that the officer has been placed on administrative duties pending the legal process. The Police Service reiterated their commitment to cooperating with the investigation but will not provide further comments as the matter is now before the courts.

About the SIU

The Special Investigations Unit is tasked with investigating the conduct of police officers, special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission, and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service that may result in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm. The Director of the SIU determines if criminal charges should be laid or if the investigation should be closed without charges, and publicly reports the investigation results.

All accused are considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.