In a news release Monday afternoon, police said an employee was charged with hate-motivated assault — specifically, choking — as well as aggravated battery, coercion and harassment. A second employee was charged with gross negligence. The alleged victim reported it to police on Sept. 20, according to the force.
Non-binary firefighter assaulted, sources say
In an email to fire personnel sent Monday morning and obtained by CBC News, Fire Chief Paul Hutt said the two fire service members were charged Nov. 5 following an incident that took place at a fire station “several weeks ago”. According to sources familiar with the complaint and investigation, the victim, a rookie firefighter who identifies as non-binary, claimed to police a series of gender-based slurs were hurled at them during the altercation, which occurred between members of the same pump. The insults reportedly challenged the validity of their gender identity. The accused firefighter allegedly choked the complainant, grabbed him by the neck from behind and lifted him off the ground, according to sources. The complainant was taken to hospital after the alleged assault. A second firefighter, a captain, is also charged with criminal negligence for his alleged role in the incident. CBC News is not naming the firefighters at this time.
Do not spread “inaccurate” information that the fire chief tells staff
In the fire chief’s email to staff, workers were asked not to spread “inaccurate information that could be false or make assumptions.” “While incidents like this are isolated, the effects can be difficult to process and are far-reaching,” Hutt’s email continued. “We do not tolerate any form of inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Employees are encouraged to report such matters without fear of any negative action against them for doing so.” The Ottawa Police Hate and Bias Crimes Unit, along with the Western Division Investigations Team, announced the charges. They are not naming anyone involved, saying it is to protect the identity of the victim. If a crime is motivated by hate or bias, it can mean harsher punishment, police say. The city said Hutt was not available to comment on the news release, but former Ottawa fire chief Kim Ayotte, who is now the city of Ottawa’s general manager of emergency and protective services, said the city is cooperating with the police investigation. . “The City of Ottawa does not tolerate any alleged criminal conduct and takes matters of misconduct by City staff extremely seriously,” the statement attributed to Ayotte said. The statement also said the city will conduct an internal investigation into the incident.
