Hamilton officer's hearing adjourned pending assault charges

A Hamilton police officer, charged with assault, has had his police hearing postponed until criminal proceedings have been completed.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been investigating Const. Ryan Gagnon, who faces one charge of assault causing bodily harm.

On the afternoon of July 22, 2012, a teen was arrested, taken to the police station and put in a cell, the SIU said in a release.

After what the SIU described as “an interaction in the cell between the male and an officer,” the boy was treated at Hamilton General Hospital for a broken tooth and a facial injury.

Gagnon had a brief, five-minute Police Services Act hearing Monday morning, according to Hamilton police.

He is charged with discreditable conduct and unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority under the Police Services Act.

Until criminal court proceedings are completed, however, the PSA hearings will not continue.

The criminal charge was announced by SIU director Ian Scott in September. Gagnon's first court appearance was in November and his most recent appearance was scheduled for Feb. 13.

A spokesperson for the SIU said Gagnon's next court date has not yet been announced.