Toronto police sergeant charged with assault in incident that sent man to hospital

A Toronto police sergeant is facing two charges, including assault, in connection with an altercation in a Scarborough parking lot last Halloween that sent a man to hospital.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m., after a man drove into a parking lot at 10 Gordonridge Place, near Danforth Road and Midland Avenue, according to a statement issued Thursday by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit.

A police cruiser drove into the lot a short time later, stopped behind the man's vehicle and "there was an interaction between a police officer and the man," the statement went on.

The officer left the scene.

"Sometime later, paramedics attended the area and took the man to Scarborough General Hospital," the statement said.

Following an investigation, the SIU determined that the sergeant should face two charges in connection with the incident.

Sgt. Robert Goudie has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm and one count of failure to provide the necessaries of life.

He will appear in court on Feb. 23.

The SIU wouldnot comment further on the incident or charges.

However, a Toronto police communications officer confirmed Thursday evening that Goudiehas been suspended with pay until the case is resolved in court.

The SIUis called in to investigate incidents involving police that involve death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.