A Durham police officer has been charged with assault following an investigation into an incident that occurred while he was on duty during an arrest, Durham Regional Police announced on October 16.
The service identified the officer as Constable Brandon Welsh-Battiste of West Division, who has three years of service. He faces one count of assault. The allegation has not been proven in court.
Officer reassigned while case proceeds
Police said Welsh-Battiste was released on an undertaking and reassigned to administrative duties until the court proceedings are complete. The release does not describe a suspension or announce an outcome in the criminal case.
An investigation under the Community Safety and Policing Act will begin after those proceedings conclude, according to the service. That is a separate process from the assault charge; no disciplinary findings were announced.
The public statement says the alleged incident happened during an arrest, but does not provide its date, exact location, the identity of the person arrested or details of any injuries. Those facts should not be inferred from the officer’s division or from older cases in which he was named as a police contact.
Information sought
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Professional Standards Unit at 905-579-1520, extension 5131. Anonymous information can be provided to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through its online reporting service.
Durham Radio News also reported the charge and administrative reassignment on October 16. Both reports attribute the information to Durham Regional Police; neither establishes a court finding of guilt.
