Three St. Thomas police officers have been charged after a man was hurt during an arrest related to a violent jewellery store robbery.
The Special Investigations Unit says officers removed a 35-year-old male passenger from a taxi on Nadine Ave. in London around 4pm on February 2. The officers were in London looking for a suspect in the B&L Jewellers robbery that has taken place one day earlier in St. Thomas.
The man was injured during the arrest. He was later released unconditionally after further investigation revealed police had arrested the wrong person.
Director of the Special Investigations Unit Tony Loparco says the SIU has "reasonable grounds" to believe the officers each committed a criminal offence.
Constable Frank Boyes, Constable Sean James, and Constable Daniel Spicer are charged with assault causing bodily harm. They are scheduled to appear in London court May 31.
All three have been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the court proceedings.
St. Thomas police Chief Darryl Pinnel says he will be conducting an internal investigation into the matter.
The SIU is an arm's length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.