A Special Investigations Unit investigation has resulted in charges laid against a member of the Waterloo Region Police Service, according to a press release.
On March 31, the Hamilton Police Service was investigating a break and enter at a Flamborough property.
A vehicle was stolen from the property, and was tracked to the area of Dickie Settlement Road in Cambridge at around 4:45 p.m.
When the incident was first reported, the owner of the stolen van alleged that the suspect broke into his home and took a couple of rifles.
The WRPS was notified, and officers were dispatched to the area.
One of the officers located the man, and after an interaction, discharged his firearm several times, an SIU report says.
The suspect was struck once and transported to hospital for treatment.
According to an SIU press release, Sgt. Richard Dorling, a 21-year member of the WRPS force, has been charged.
He faces one count each of attempted murder, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm with intent and discharging a firearm – reckless endangerment.
Sgt. Dorling was arrested by members of the SIU on Nov. 27 and released on condition that he not communicate with the complainant or have a firearm.
"They have to make split second decisions that are easy to second guess when you have nine months to decide whether or not it's approrpriate," said Bernard Cummins, Sgt. Dorling's lawyer.
He was scheduled to appear in a Kitchener court on Dec. 19.
A WRPS press release said that, under the Police Services Act of Ontario, Sgt. Dorling was placed on paid administrative suspension.
The service's professional standards branch would also be conducting a review after the court proceedings.
