Toronto police officer charged with assaulting a cyclist

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has charged a Toronto police officer with assaulting a cyclist who rode through a red traffic light.

In a news release, the SIU says Toronto Police Const. Douglas Jason Holmes is charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm.

The SIU is an arms length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death or serious injury.

The incident happened during the afternoon rush hour on Oct.10last year.

Const. Holmes stopped a 44-year-old man, who later went to hospital with serious injuries.It happened on Queen's Quay, just west of Yonge Street at 5 p.m.

MonicaHudonof theSIUsays that because the matter is now before the courts, police are not releasing the cyclist's name or the nature of his injuries.

Const. Holmes will appear in court at Old City Hall on Feb. 14.

• Take a tour of Toronto's busy bike lanes with a cop who cycles them every day

Given the time of day and the crowded intersection, theSIUbelieves there are several witnesses.Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-787-8529.

TheSIUasks that anyone who recorded thearrest or injury on theircellphonesupload that video through theSIUwebsite.