A London police officer faces assault charges and has been reassigned to administrative duties after an investigation into a use-of-force incident involving pepper spray during an arrest. Constable Brandon Mihalides, aged 29 and from London, has been charged with assault with a weapon. The charges arise from an incident in the early hours of April 29, where a 33-year-old woman was arrested by the London police.
Following the arrest, pepper spray, also known as oleoresin capsicum spray, was used. Ontario law mandates reporting and review of the use of pepper spray in such situations. The police stated that concerns were raised during the review regarding the circumstances of the use of force. The incident was then handed over to the major crimes section of the London police for investigation into potential criminal behavior related to the use of the OC spray.
As the case is now before the courts, no further details will be disclosed by the police. Constable Mihalides is set to appear in court on December 30.
