London police officer suspended after video shows alcohol, firearm inside police vehicle
A London police officer has been suspended with pay following the discovery of a video showing alcohol and a service firearm inside an unmarked police vehicle. The Toronto Police Service is conducting a criminal investigation into the handling and storage of the weapon.
Why it matters
The incident raises serious questions about professional conduct and public safety protocols within law enforcement agencies.
In a statement issued Monday night, London police Chief Thai Truong said the matter has been reported to the Toronto Police Service for a criminal investigation into the handling and storage of the firearm.
He said the incident happened June 24 in Toronto as officers left a restaurant following a police funeral. Truong said he was made aware of the video late Monday afternoon and personally viewed it before taking action.
"The video shows those members leaving a restaurant and entering an unmarked police vehicle, with alcohol visible inside," Truong said in a statement.
Truong said the video also shows a service-issued firearm stored in "circumstances that raise concerns."
He said he directed that the matter be reported to Toronto police, which will investigate the circumstances surrounding the handling and storage of the firearm.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in