The province’s police watchdog has laid charges against a Woodstock police officer after a cyclist was seriously hurt during an interaction.

On June 15, 2022, the Special Investigations Unit launched an investigation into the incident that happened at around 3:30 a.m.

During the altercation, an officer on patrol saw a 39-year-old man riding a bicycle near Roth Park, who he believed matched the description of a person of interest. The SIU said the officer attempted to apprehend the man, which resulted in him falling from his bicycle. He was taken to hospital after the arrest to be treated for a “serious injury”.

The SIU has since determined that the officer acted criminally during the incident.

As a result, Constable Pritpal Thind is charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation,” a release from the SIU read.

Thind is scheduled to appear in court on September 27, 2022.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officers that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.