NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) became aware of allegations involving a Uniform Constable employed with the Service, following an incident that had occurred on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, when uniform officers responded to a fail to remain collision in the area of Niagara Street and Welland Avenue in the City of St. Catharines, involving an unmarked Service vehicle.
To ensure that there was no potential or perceived conflict of interest, the NRPS requested the Halton Police Service take carriage of the investigation.
On March 9, 2023, Constable Chris Rawson was arrested and charged with the following:
- dangerous driving causing bodily harm contrary to Section 320.13 (2) of the Criminal Code
- assault with a weapon contrary to Section 267(a) of the Criminal Code
- fail to remain at the scene of an accident contrary to Section 320.16 (1) of the Criminal Code
Rawson was released from custody on a Form 10 Undertaking, scheduled to attend court on July 2, 2023, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Rawson has been a police officer with the NRPS for 23 years and was off duty at the time of the alleged offences.
In accordance with the Police Services Act of Ontario, Rawson has been suspended with pay.
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