Winnipeg city Coun. Thomas Steen arrested, on leave

Winnipeg city Coun.Thomas Steen, a former star with the Winnipeg Jets, has been arrested on an assault charge.

Steen, 53,has represented theElmwoodEast Kildonan ward at city hall since 2010.

Hewas arrested on Tuesday.He has not yet been formally charged, but he turnedhimself in to police and was released on a promise to appear in court.

Police have not released details about alleged assault,but fellow Coun.Scott Fielding confirms a media report that Steen is alleged to have assaulted a woman he knows at a Garden City restaurantlast week.

Mayor SamKatztold reporters on Wednesdaythat he would notcomment on thearrestwhile an investigation isongoing, but he did say there are no rules that would force Steen off council.

Steenis taking an indefinite voluntary leave from his council duties, according to his executive assistant, who called the casea personal and private matter.

Constituents will still be represented

River HeightsFort GarryCoun. John Orlikow saidresidents in Steen's ward will be looked after while their councillor is away from his duties.

"There are people here at city hall. Coun.Steen's assistant is very capable to help out. Other councillors will jump in the fray to help out as they try to sort through this," Orlikowtold reporters.

Steen has also been suspendedfrom his duties on the Winnipeg Police Boardwhile theinvestigation is happening, said Fielding, who chairs theboard.

"I did have a conversation with Coun.Steen yesterday, as per the police board and our parameters from the Manitoba Police Commission. If there's any investigation going on, you're not allowed to participate in the police board meetings," Fielding said Wednesday.

Steen played for the Jets from 1981 to his retirement from the NHL in 1995. His jersey number 25 was then retired by the team.

Orlikow said Steen's arrest has taken many people at city hall by surprise.

"I'm surprised about the whole event and troubled by it, as we all are," he said.

"I have no comment about it itself. I wish him all the best. But again, I just want to make sure that the ward residents know in that area that the City of Winnipeg is still here."