A London police officer is facing charges in connection with an on-duty incident earlier this year. According to the London Police Service, a 33-year-old woman was arrested by officers at about 2 a.m. on April 29. During the arrest, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray was deployed. Police said the use of OC spray in Ontario is subject to mandatory use-of-force reporting and review requirements. Concerns were identified during that review regarding the circumstances surrounding the use of the spray, prompting a criminal investigation by members of the Major Crime Section. As a result of the investigation, Const. Brandon Mihalides, 29, of London, has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon. He has been reassigned to non-operational administrative duties. “As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be provided at this time,” London police said in a statement. Mihalides is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 30.
