Pubdate: Wed, 07 Sep 2005
Source: St. Thomas Times-Journal (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 St. Thomas Times-Journal
Contact:  http://www.stthomastimesjournal.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/953
Author: Ian McCallum
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

CONSTABLE ARRESTED FOR CRACK COCAINE POSSESSION

17-Year Veteran Of St. Thomas Police Service Held In Custody

A 17-year-veteran of the St. Thomas Police Service has been charged with 
possession of crack cocaine and remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Police Chief Bill Lynch told the Times-Journal the charges against Const. 
Bruce Armstrong "are a sad day" for the police service, but stressed the 
public has no reason to lose "confidence" in the force because of the 
arrest of the 42-year-old Malahide resident.

Speaking to the T-J on Tuesday, Lynch said city police arrested Armstrong 
last Friday and he was further charged with resisting arrest and two counts 
of breach of recognition.

"At the time of the arrest," noted Lynch, "Armstrong was on suspension from 
the St. Thomas Police Service pending an internal investigation into 
allegations of misconduct being investigated by the OPP."

Lynch confirmed the investigation was at his request and was being 
conducted by OPP officers from outside Elgin county. He indicated Armstrong 
had been suspended with pay.

"The community has a right to know in matters such as this," explained 
Lynch. "It is a sad day for our police service because we're having to deal 
with one of our own. But at the same time I can tell you I'm extremely 
proud of the professionalism and the manner in which our officers have put 
their feelings aside and dealt with the incident."

This professionalism, stressed Lynch, should ensure the public maintains a 
high level of confidence in the police force.

"The fact that our officers are dealing appropriately with one of our own 
demonstrates why the public has confidence in our police service and should 
continue to do so."

Armstrong is in custody at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre and will 
attend a bail hearing Friday in St. Thomas.
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