Durham regional police have passed on claims that officers attacked a lawyer at an Oshawa, Ont., courthouse to York regional police for a criminal probe.
The police department stated it has been informed that the claims made by Sudine Riley go “beyond claims of misconduct.”
“Since DRPS’s public statement on January 29, 2026, we have been advised that the allegations related to the arrest of Ms. Riley extend beyond claims of misconduct and include allegations that are criminal in nature,” read a statement issued by police on Friday.
A statement from Riley’s lawyer claims the defense attorney was left bleeding and swollen after Durham police officers slammed her head into a desk in an interview room where she was working last Friday.
“In light of the new information, DRPS has now formally referred the matter to the York Regional Police Service for a criminal investigation.”
Neha Chugh said the officers placed their knees on her client’s back and neck before dragging her out of the room in handcuffs and taking her to the cells located in the courthouse basement.
She mentioned that Riley, who is Black, also had her head scarf torn off before being charged with trespassing – a charge she plans to contest in court.
This incident has led legal organizations, including the Canadian Bar Association, to call for an independent inquiry; however, the province’s police watchdog has stated it will not investigate.
The Special Investigations Unit noted it was informed about this incident by Durham regional police earlier this week but hasn’t activated its mandate at this time. It indicated its jurisdiction is limited to events involving officers that result in serious injuries, death, allegations of sexual assault or when an officer discharges their firearm at someone.
Durham regional police have also announced that they’ve notified the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency regarding this incident and that those involved have been reassigned away from courthouse security duties.
The Durham Regional Police Association released a statement on Friday expressing its commitment to a complete review of this incident by an independent agency. They added they “will not stand by while our members are tried in the court of public opinion by those more interested in headlines than the truth.”
President Andrew Tummonds stated that the police association stands “firmly” with its officers and anticipates finding out all facts surrounding this investigation.
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